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Genital Herpes Reference Guide
What is Genital Herpes?
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What is Genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a contagious, sexually transmitted viral infection that primarily affects the genital region in both men and women. Primarily caused by the herpes Simplex 2 Virus (HSV-2), genital herpes appear as sores or blisters on or around the genitals, buttocks, and anus. This symptoms are minimal or even non-existent in some patients, but when they do occur, the blisters/sores will break, leaving tender sores that may take as long as four weeks to fully heal. Outbreaks can occur within weeks or months of each other.
While genital herpes is not a dangerous disease, it is a nuisance for victims and can cause emotional trauma. There is no cure for genital herpes and the infection usually stays in the body forever, but instances of outbreaks usually decrease over time.
Because it is a sexually transmitted disease, it is important for those who suffer from genital herpes to practice safe sex. Even if you have no visible symptoms or are in the midst of an outbreak, you can still pass the disease to your sexual partner.
Since the late 1970s, the number of people suffering from genital herpes in the United States has increased by nearly 30 percent, particularly among teens and young adults. It is estimated that nearly one in five adults has genital herpes, but only one third of those with the virus know that they are carriers.
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Genital Herpes Photos