Genital Herpes Can Happen to You Too

7.02.2010 | By: S. M.

This is a virus that causes painful, open wounds on the sexual organs. Most of the time, we can avoid getting infected by using a condom.

Genital herpes is no rare phenomenon. (jlp)

Genital herpes is a very frequent sexually transmitted disease. It is interesting that some only carry the virus and although they are infected by it, they never exhibit any symptoms.

We are familiar with two varieties of genital herpes: herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2. The second most often causes herpes on sexual organs, while both can cause herpes on the lips and sexual organs. The virus can enter our body through any mucous membrane. It causes itchy and painful blisters in the vagina, rectum and the area surrounding these two. Men are afflicted by wounds on the penis, most frequently on its head.

Some people carry the virus although they never show any symptoms. (jlp)

It takes 12 to 14 days for the first symptoms of the virus to exhibit themselves. This is followed by shorter and gentler outbreaks every four or five days. Genital herpes is a highly contagious virus if we are in physical contact with the afflicted person, particularly during sex, as the mucous membranes of both partners are in contact in several places. A very effective way of preventing the infection is by using a condom, but this is not totally reliable.

Experts do not know why the virus breaks out with some, while with others it does not. But it is very likely that stress is to blame. There is no cure for this annoying virus, but there are some medications, which successfully lessen the symptoms of genital herpes until they completely disappear.

It is especially dangerous if pregnant women get infected by the virus.

Pregnant women should be especially careful not to contract the virus. (jlp)

The virus is transported onto the infant during the pregnancy and causes painful blisters and injuries to the eyes, internal organs and the brain. The information that every sixth newborn afflicted with genital herpes dies is horrible. The only way to prevent the transportation of the virus is by performing a Cesarean section during childbirth.