Genital herpes can be embarrassing, painful and uncomfortable. People often feel ashamed and even terrified when they first discover they've contracted the sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes can be contracted and passed back and forth between sexual partners. Avoiding infection is key when it comes to genital herpes, but if it's too late for that, action must be taken to protect yourself and your sexual partners.
What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, also referred to as an STD, that's caused by the herpes simplex virus. People suffer from either HSV-1 or HSV-2. Most people have minimal or no symptoms, and often don't even realize they are infected with the virus.
Frequency
Some signs and symptoms may occur during the individual's first outbreak, but they may be confused with other medical problems or may be ignored. A person who has been newly diagnosed with herpes can expect to have four to five outbreaks during the first year; typically, outbreaks become less frequent and less uncomfortable with time.
Prevention/Solution
The only way to truly avoid contracting genital herpes is to avoid having sexual contact all together. Genital herpes can be contracted by coming into skin contact with someone who is affected, even if you don't have sexual intercourse. Both men and women can contract the virus, so using latex condoms (even if other forms of birth control are being implemented) is the safest way to go if you are having sex. Even if you are not in the middle of a current outbreak, you can still infect someone else, so be careful.
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Genital herpes is usually discovered during a routine physical examination. Sometimes patients begin experiencing symptoms which may lead them to believe that they have become infected with the virus. A doctor can easily take a look at any sores, which appear as small, sometimes crusty blisters, and make a diagnosis; a sample of fluid may be taken for examination. Genital herpes can be diagnosed in between outbreaks with a blood test.
Treatment
There are medications and other treatment options which may be available to someone who has been diagnosed with genital herpes; however, there are also many alternative home treatments which an individual may try. An ice pack can be used to help alleviate pain, and some individuals find that taking a warm bath with baking soda or apple cider vinegar added to the bathwater to be exceptionally helpful. Amino acid L-lysine, antioxidant vitamins and zinc can help reduce symptoms, while tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and can be dabbed on the sores several times a day.
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