The Facts about Genital Herpes



Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is one of the most common STIs in the United States, with an estimated one in six Americans aged 14 to 49 infected. Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores and can be severe in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of genital herpes include:

• Painful blisters or sores on or around the genitals or rectum
• Itching, burning, and tingling around your genitals
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes in your groin area
• Pain when you urinate

Genital herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can get it even if your partner doesn’t have any visible sores or other symptoms. It’s also possible to get genital herpes from someone who has no signs of infection but carries the virus. This is why it’s important to practice safe sex and use condoms every time you have sex.

While there is no cure for genital herpes, there are treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and prevent outbreaks from happening. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are often prescribed to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. These medications work by reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks as well as preventing future ones from occurring. In addition, home remedies such as applying ice packs to relieve pain associated with outbreaks may be recommended by a doctor or healthcare provider.

Genital herpes can have serious health consequences if left untreated so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to this STI. Early diagnosis and treatment are key for managing symptoms and preventing further transmission of the virus so don’t hesitate to seek medical help if needed.

Tags:

Genital herpes, STI, HSV, Americans, Symptoms, Skin-to-skin contact, Vaginal/Anal/Oral sex, Safe sex/Condoms, Acyclovir/Famciclovir/Valacyclovir, Ice packs,

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