Symptoms
You may feel itchy or tingly around your genitals. This is usually
followed by painful, small blisters that pop and leave sores that ooze or
bleed. Most people notice symptoms within a few weeks after they catch the
virus from someone else. The first time it happens, you may also have a fever,
headache, or other flu-like feelings. Some people have few or no symptoms.
You get herpes by having any kind of sex -- vaginal, oral, or anal --
with someone who’s infected. Herpes can be spread during oral sex if you or
your partner has a cold sore. Because the virus can't live long outside your
body, you can't catch it from something like a toilet seat or towel.
Sometimes people mistake a pimple or ingrown hair for herpes. Your
doctor can take a small sample from sores by using a swab test. If you don’t
have symptoms but think you might have herpes, your doctor can do a blood test.
It may take a few days to get your results.
What Causes It?
Genital herpes usually comes from the virus called herpes simplex-2
(HSV-2). Its cousin, HSV-1, is what gives you cold sores. You can get HSV-2
from someone whether they have symptoms or not.
How Is Herpes Treated?
Your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine. These pills can help
you feel better and shorten an outbreak. In the meantime, don’t kiss or have
any kind of sex with other people. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can
still spread the disease.
How to Prevent an Outbreak
Some people only take their medications if they feel the itching and
tingling that means an outbreak is coming on -- or when sores show up -- to
stop it from getting worse. Your doctor may suggest you take an antiviral every
day if you:
·
Have lots of outbreaks
·
Want to prevent more outbreaks
·
Want to lower the risk of spreading it to your
partner
Is There a Cure?
You can treat herpes, but once you get it, you’ll always have it. When symptoms
show up, it’s called having an outbreak. The first is usually the worst. Most
people have them on and off for several years,
but they get milder and happen less often over time.
How to Avoid Herpes
As long as you're sexually active, there's a chance you could get
herpes. You'll make it a lot less likely if you use a latex or polyurethane
condom or dental dam every time, for every activity. The dam or condom only
protects the area it covers. If you don’t have herpes, you and your partner
should get tested for STDs before sex. If you’re both disease-free and aren’t
having sex with other people, you should be safe.
How to Feel Better During an
Outbreak
·
Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear.
·
Avoid sun or heat that could cause more blisters.
·
Take a warm, soothing bath.
·
Don't use perfumed soaps or douches near your
blisters.
What Triggers an Outbreak?
The herpes virus stays in your body forever, even if you have no
symptoms. You may have an outbreak when you're sick, after you’ve been out in
the sun, or when you’re stressed out or tired. If you’re a woman, you could get
one when you start your period.
Sex and Herpes
You still can have sex if you have genital herpes, but you must tell
your partner you have the virus. They need to know so they can get tested. Wear
a condom any time you have sex. Never have sex during an outbreak.
Problems With Herpes
People often don’t have serious problems from herpes, but there's a
chance of them. Wash your hands often, especially during an outbreak. If you
touch a blister and rub your eyes, the infection can spread to your eyes. If
your eyes are red, swollen, hurt, or are sensitive to light, see your doctor.
Treating it can help prevent serious vision problems.
Herpes and Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and have herpes, your doctor may suggest that you
have your baby by C-section. Why? During vaginal birth, the herpes virus could
spread to your baby, especially if your first outbreak happens around the
delivery time. The virus could give your baby rashes, eye problems, or more
serious issues. A C-section makes that less likely. Your doctor may also have
you take anti-viral medicine as your due date gets closer.
Courtesy: www.webmd.com