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Generic Valtrex
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. It is caused by herpes simplex, a virus that has two types. Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes oral herpes that commonly affects the mouth and lips. Meanwhile, herpes simplex type 2 causes genital herpes that affect the penis and vagina. Nonetheless, herpes simplex virus type 1 can also infect the genitals during oral sex.
The first outbreak of genital herpes usually happens 2 weeks after being infected with the virus. General symptoms include fever, decreased appetite, body malaise (a general feeling of unwell), and muscles aches in the lower back, buttocks, thighs or knees. The most common sign of genital herpes would be the appearance of small, painful and fluid-filled blisters. In women, these blisters would usually be found on the outer vaginal labia, vagina, cervix, thighs, buttocks and around the anus. For men, the blisters would usually be located on the penis, scrotum, thighs, buttocks and around the anus.
For both men and women, blisters may also be found on the tongue, mouth, gums, lips, fingers and eyes. Before the appearance of blisters, those affected usually report a tingling, burning or itching feeling on the site where the blisters will soon form. When the blisters appear, they present with very painful ulcers that crust and gradually heal over a period of two to hree weeks. Other symptoms include enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the genitals, painful urination and vaginal discharge.
The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact. The skin, vagina, penis and mouth are the usual infected body parts. Considering these locations, the virus is commonly transmitted through kissing, sexual, intercourse and oral sex. There is more risk to acquire genital herpes during an active outbreak, when there is a visible sore, rash or blister. However, it is also possible to acquire the virus during remission—when there are no visible sores—through the person’s saliva, vaginal fluid or semen. For this reason, herpes can be passed on from one sexual partner to another without them knowing it.
Genital herpes is dangerous and should be treated. After the first outbreak, other outbreaks are bound to appear after some weeks or a few months. Once infected, the herpes simplex virus can sleep and stay dormant in a person’s nerve cells, ready to be reactivated anytime from weeks to years. Fatigue, genital irritation, menstruation, stress and trauma can trigger reactivation of the virus. A pregnant woman with active herpes infection on the vagina can transmit the virus to the newborn through the the birth canal. In a newborn, HSV can cause meningitis, encephalitis, chronic skin infection, delayed development and death.
While genital herpes cannot be fully cured, antiviral medication such as valacyclovir (Valtrex), acyclovir, and famcyclovir can ease its symptoms, speed up healing of sores and prevent formation of new sores. The best way to avoid catching genital herpes is to abstain from sexual intercourse or oral sex. For those who cannot abstain, staying monogamous to one sexual partner is advised. Latex male condoms and female condoms have also been proven to reduce the risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections.