Genital herpes is an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV.
HSV causes genital herpes by entering the skin or mucous membranes through microscopic breaks in the skin and mucous membranes.
Genital herpes can be transmitted by any kind of sexual intercourse within the genitalia.
When symptoms are present, they may include painful blisters and/or ulcers in the genital area, itching, burning or tingling sensations in the skin and some individuals may develop fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes; symptoms come and go over the person’s lifetime.
The diagnosis is usually carried out by recognizing the changes in the skin in the genitalia but viral cultures and genetic amplification of herpes simplex virus genome material and other types of tests can be done.
There is no cure for genital herpes.
Anti-viral medications are applied to lessen the frequency and severity of the outbreaks.
Some home remedies may help reduce symptom severity, but provide no cure.
Oral medications are used during pregnancy. You should consult your OB/GYN prior to taking any oral medication when you are pregnant.
The prognosis of genital herpes is fair; there is no cure, and the recurrent outbreaks may vary in frequency and severity.
The prevention of genital herpes is difficult. Wearing condoms during sexual contact may prevent spreading the diseases but not in parts of the skin that is not covered by condom or during oral of genital contact. Clothes that touch genital herpes may spread HSV to other individuals that wear the clothes.