Unaware Of Genital Herpes? – STD Testing Centers Portland

October 29, 2009 by admin 

Genital Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus can cause painful blisters and sores on the genitals (sexual organs) and/or on the mouth. Genital Herpes infections have also been associated with the increased risk of acquisition of HIV. Open lesions present a portal of entry for the HIV virus. Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most Genital Herpes is caused by HSV-2.

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease for which there is no absolute cure. Its frequency is increasing all over the world, with over 22% of women in the USA affected. Genital herpes can reactivate without causing noticeable bumps, blisters, sores, or other symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms are there but are so mild that they aren’t noticed. Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection transmitted through sexual contact. It is the most common cause of genital ulcers.

Genital herpes can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or during a vaginal birth. These babies may experience the same symptoms as adults, but with more serious side effects, such as infection and damage of the brain, and possibly even death. Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 recurs on average four to six times per year, while HSV-1 infection occurs less often, only about once per year. A minority will suffer more frequent recurrences. Genital herpes commonly causes mild, infrequent symptoms that often go unnoticed. For this reason the majority of people who have genital herpes may be unaware they have it.

Herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. You can get it from having sex, even oral sex. Oral medications, anti-depressants, anti-seizure and antineuralgia medicines also may be of some benefit. Patients with zoster rarely require hospitalization. Oral and/or topical interferon drops may help in some cats, based on case reports (but no scientific studies that I have seen). There are anti-viral eye drops that can be used in cats.

Reducing The Risk Of Infections

Condoms that cover the infected area can help reduce the risk of transmission. However, condoms may not cover all of the affected area. Condoms restrict contact between the penis and the mucosal surfaces of the vagina, mouth or anus, where sub clinical shedding is known to occur.  Condoms may not cover all sites of viral shedding, and they don’t provide a 100% guarantee against herpes transmission.

Recurrent HPV

Recurrences of Type 2 infection may also occur on any site but most often affect the genitals or buttocks. Recurrent HSV tends to always affect the same region, but not necessarily the identical site. Recurrences of genital herpes vary from person to person in frequency. Some will never experience an outbreak again, while others may have milder recurrences more than 6 times a year. Recurrent episodes are less severe and are limited to the affected area.

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