Genital herpes is an incurable virus. Fortunately, herpes can be treated and symptoms controlled through the use of drugs. There are two types of herpes, HSV I and HSV II. Both types of herpes can show up in the form of blisters or lesions on the mouth (lips) or in the genital area. Herpes 1 is usually found most often on the mouth. Herpes II is found most often on the genitals. These sores can also appear on the buttocks and thigh area. Herpes lesions can be painful and will usually crust up before completely disappearing. A discharge from the penis or vagina could be another symptom. Frequent burning and difficultly urinating are also known to occur. Tingling and/or pain may be felt in the genitals. You may experience redness, itching, bumps or blisters at the site of infection. Yeast infections in women are common when they have herpes. Women are far more likely than men to contract this STD.
Herpes is usually transmitted through sexual contact, but can in rare cases be traced to other types of skin to skin contact such as touching an HSV blister on an infected person. Some physicians believe in rare instances herpes can be spread through toilet seats and hot tubs. An outbreak will usually appear in the area where the contact was made. A person infected with this virus is highly contagious during an outbreak. This is not to say that you can not infect another person when an outbreak is not present. Precautions should always be taken. The initial symptoms usually occur within 2-4 days after exposure.
A blood test and/or a viral culture can be done to determine if you have contracted the virus. Herpes is treated with an antiviral medication. The medication will lessen the frequency of outbreaks and the discomfort associated with them. Your physician may prescribe some home remedies such as a sits bath to provide relief.
Serious complications can occur such as Meningitis (infection that affects the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (swelling of the brain) but are rare.
