What Are the Symptoms of Herpes For Both Men and Women?

In this article I will discuss genital herpes symptoms as it is one of the most common STDs in the United States.

The first thing you need to know is that there are 2 types of herpes, both caused by a form of the herpes simplex virus HSV ( either type 1 or 2). Oral Herpes (type 1) is not a sexually transmitted disease but type 2 (usually) or genital herpes is. Both Herpes 1 and 2 and transmitted through skin contact.

Genital herpes is more common in women (1 in 4 ) than in men (1 in 8). This is possibly because male to female transmission is easier than female to male.

The symptoms are very similar in both men and women and in fact there are often little or no symptoms. Because of this most people infected with it are not aware that they have it for sometimes years However, if there are signs on the first outbreak, which happens 2 - 4 weeks after exposure to it, they can be quite pronounced. If you do get symptoms when you are first infected it is known as a primary infection and is usually more sever than the usual recurrent infection.

So what are the symptoms of herpes?

These can be as vague as feeling generally unwell or having a fever. Sometimes you will experience pain when passing urine and in women a vaginal discharge. But the most characteristic symptoms are painful red blisters which bust to form ulcers on the external genital area, rectum (back passage), thighs, and buttocks. In women they can also form on the cervix.

These primary symptoms can last up to 20 days but they eventually dry out leaving no scarring. Once you have had a primary infection yo9u may think it has gone but herpes lives on in the nerve root. Later it travels back down the nerve to your skin.

If the herpes recurs then your symptoms will be as before but also with burning or tingling before the blister appear. recurrent infections are rarely accompanied by fever of feeling generally unwell. Over time the outbreaks will become shorter and less frequent.

Herpes can cause fatal complications in babies so pregnant woman should avoid it at all costs. It may play a role in the spread of HIV as it not only makes you more susceptible to HIV but it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious.

How can you avoid herpes being passed on.

One sure fire way of avoiding it is to avoid sex or to have sex only with a long term partner. Failing that, condoms will offer some protection if correctly used but this is not a guarantee. When symptoms are active the individual should avoid all sex. However, it is important to know that even without symptoms the carrier can still pass on the infection.

How can herpes be tested for?

A simple blood test can identify an HSV infection.

Reacting to symptoms.

Although herpes cannot be cured it is important to take action on herpes symptoms There are drugs available to reduce the pain and discomfort, the use of condoms is essential and when necessary, abstinence from sex.