Genital herpes is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases.  It is estimated that about forty to fifty million Americans have been exposed to the herpes virus.  Since medical researchers are still trying to find a cure for the disease, it is critical to know about genital herpes in order to properly protect ourselves against getting infected.

Genital herpes is a contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus.  Some of those infected by it exhibit the symptom for which it is primarily known---a patch of painful sores or ulcers in the genital area and the rectum.  A vast majority however, do not exhibit the symptom but are perfectly capable of infecting other people with the disease that they carry. 

Genital herpes is characterized by the appearance of small painful sores in the genital area or the rectum.  This may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the joints, malaise and fever.  An outbreak of herpes sores is usually preceded by a rash that appears in the affected area as well as sensations of pain and itchiness.  This rash develops into blisters which eventually develop into small, open and painful sores and blisters.  These blisters eventually crust and heal when the virus has run its course which can be anywhere from two to twenty-one days depending on the person’s reaction to medication and general health.

It is during the period of the outbreak of sores when the disease is most contagious.  All forms of sexual contact as well as direct contact with the open sores should be avoided in order to prevent infecting another.  A person without symptoms is still capable of spreading the disease even when the sores are not present.  This is known as viral or asymptomatic shedding.  In order to reduce the risk of getting infected, safe sex measures such as the use of a latex condom should.  The virus has been shown to be unable to penetrate latex.

After the outbreak of sores, the virus becomes dormant.  It hides in the nerve cells of the infected person, escaping the attention of the body’s immune system until the next outbreak of sores.  Medical practitioners are as yet unsure as to what causes an outbreak of sores.  What is known is that there are some circumstances which can trigger an outbreak such as overexposure to sunlight, stress, and a lowered immunity to infection.

As mentioned earlier, genital herpes is an incurable disease.  Since there is no cure, all treatment therapies are aimed at reducing the intensity and frequency of herpes outbreaks, preventing complications that may arise, and alleviating the other symptoms the sick person may feel.

Should you think that you have herpes immediately consult your physician for testing and more information about genital herpes.