What Are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Herpes Simplex Virus, also known as genital herpes or HSV, is not only one of many sexually transmitted diseases, but it can be considered one of the worst. First of all, it is highly contagious. Second of all, the symptoms and effects of genital herpes are very evident and very embarrassing when they do show. Third, even when the symptoms aren't showing, you can still have genital herpes and just not know it.

People may ask, "what are the symptoms of genital herpes?"

The symptoms begin with pain and/or itching. The itching and pain can be around the genitals, anal area, or on the thighs. This turns into small, red bumps that look like blisters. Eventually, those fester into open sores which can itch and/or burn. The sores do end up scabbing over and healing and the cycle begins again with every outbreak. Some people have outbreaks for up to 40 years from the time they were first exposed to the disease and others never have one again after the initial outbreak, but nonetheless, when you get infected, you are infected for life as there is no known cure for the disease.

HSV is a disease that is highly affected by outside circumstances.

Many outside factors can trigger an outbreak and many outside factors can help keep the outbreaks under control. Stress, beginning your menstrual cycle, a low immune system, illness, surgery, friction around the genital area, and being tired are all factors that contribute to the symptoms or HSV showing up. Seeing as there is no cure, it is a good idea to try to combat these factors whenever possible. Take vitamins, get enough sleep, and make sure your pants and underwear are loose and allow your body to breathe just to name a few.

But remember, even if you do all of this, outbreaks can occur. Since people don't always ask what are the symptoms of genital herpes, always make sure you tell everyone you are intimate with that you are infected, make sure you always use a condom, and avoid sex when you are in the midst of an outbreak.

Even though there is no cure, there are a few medications that help keep outbreaks under control. These include cyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Those medications help heal sores and reduce the number of outbreaks people experience. It is also a good idea to keep the sores clean and dry and avoid touching them to avoid transmitting the disease.