Genital herpes , caused by HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus, is one of the most commonly acquired STD or Sexual Transmitted Disease among Americans. In most cases where genital herpes is concerned, it is the HSV-2 or type 2 of Herpes Simplex Virus causes the infection. The HSV-1, on the other hand, is the common cause for fever blisters or cold sores but that can also cause genital herpes. Genital herpes symptoms, if any can be so mild to almost none thereby making it impossible to detect by people who are actually infected by the virus.
Getting Infected by Genital Herpes
Anyone infected by genital herpes can pass the virus to another person by sexual contact. Contrary to common belief, the virus will be transmitted even if the host person doesn’t manifest genital herpes symptoms or signs of the infection. The virus travels along the nerves upon entering the skin, and it can become inactive and stay there for an indefinite period. Every now and then, virus can be active and moves back to the skin surface causing either an outbreak of possible symptoms or the infection remains undetected still.
The virus is so dangerous that even if the infected partner wears a condom, it doesn’t guarantee protection for the other uninfected partner. The exposed skin surrounding the genitals may be infected by the virus as well. The outbreaks and recurrences differ from one person to another that’s why getting tested dramatically helps in preventing the virus from spreading or getting more severe.
Getting Familiar with Genital Herpes Symptoms
The scary part of being positive for the infection is you may not even see a sign of having it, but you have already passed it to another person. There are those who noticed symptoms even after a few days to few weeks after the first contact. But then, there are those also who might not even have an outbreak until after months or years after getting infected. Expect severe symptoms when a person manifests infection soon after getting the virus.
- Small, watery blisters may start to appear around or on the rectum or genitals which can worsen when they break open and then producing raw and painful sores.
- Flu-like symptoms may also be experienced with lymph nodes swelling and fever
- Numbness, burning or tingling in the male or female’s genital area
- Painful or burning sensation during sexual intercourse or while urinating
- Having difficulty urinating
- Painful urination
- Frequent necessity to urinate
There are some things to keep in mind when you have not been tested but is now sexually active. A lot of people with a recurrent infection may experience genital herpes signs within 2 days before an actual outbreak including pain, itching, or tingling where the eruption is at, searing pain down into their buttocks or further down their knees. You must seek your doctor’s attention and advice when you see any sign or symptom. A doctor knows what to look for to diagnose the infection either by a blood test, by just looking at the outbreak’s condition, or taking sample fluid or tissue from the tender sores. Don’t wait for later to get tested for genital herpes and other STD testing for your benefit.
