What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Before you fly into a panic, thinking it must be a fatal disease, relax. It’s more of a nuisance disease than anything else. However, you need to be very careful not to transmit the infection to another person. That other person could be a sexual partner. It could also be a child you are carrying, in case you are pregnant.
What is genital herpes like? It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Do you know the dreaded cold sore virus which can infect your mouth? That’s oral herpes. Genital herpes is something similar, but instead of getting the infection on your lips, you get it in your genital region. It is extremely uncomfortable and painful, but it isn’t fatal. Once properly managed, with correct genital herpes treatment, the infection will be easy to control.
The Four Foolproof Symptoms of Genital Herpes
There are five particular symptoms typically associated with this infection. If you develop any of these symptoms, go and see your doctor as soon as possible. He or she will probably refer you to the nearest sexual health clinic. Remember, you can’t catch this STI through towels or cups. You can only catch it from having unprotected sex with an infected person when that person is experiencing an outbreak. The sex may be vaginal, anal, or oral.
Genital herpes typically takes between two to twelve days to manifest itself once someone has been infected, but dormancy periods can be much longer in rare cases. However, a carrier may manifest no symptoms of the infection at all. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to always use protection when having sex with a new partner. When an infection like genital herpes can have no obvious symptoms, how do you know you’re safe? It’s only after you’ve been with each other for a while and swapped sexual histories with complete honesty that you’ll know.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Not all women will suffer from this symptom, but an unusual vaginal discharge is always worth noting. You may find yourself having to tell a doctor about it, and they may ask all sorts of questions about the colour and consistency of the discharge. It is better to note it in your diary so that you may be able to answer any questions when you meet your doctor. You may also need to write down the date, as well as the date on which you last had intercourse.
Pain When Passing Urine
Passing urine may feel very painful when you’re suffering from genital herpes. This is because your genital area may be very sore and tender. As urine can be quite acidic, this can cause you real pain. Especially when the acidic urine comes into contact with the sore area.
Tingling, Itching, or Burning Sensation in Genitals
This is a common symptom of genital herpes. Wearing loose clothes made from natural fabrics like pure cotton will help. Tight clothing and synthetic materials will only further irritate your skin.
Small Blisters
These fluid-filled blisters burst shortly after forming, leaving painful red spots on or around your bottom, thighs, anus, and genitals. This is important. If you find yourself experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, get yourself to a doctor immediately without wasting time. The sooner you start getting genital herpes treatment, the better you will feel.
Get the Correct Information
We can’t stress enough that this nuisance disease can be managed with the correct information and medication. It need not be a life sentence. Furthermore, prevention is better than a cure when it comes to genital herpes. Although studies have shown the transmission rate of genital herpes to be relatively low, it’s always safer to use a condom when you have sex with a new partner, at least until you’re sure that neither of you has the disease. But even if you’ve caught the infection, with correct management and medication, you will be fine. Genital herpes treatment will ensure that it has a minimally negative effect on your life. So don’t panic if you think you’ve got this. Just get the correct information and manage the infection accordingly.
