Penis Health And Enlargement Information

Genital herpes is an infection caused by a virus known as 'herpes simplex'. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the 2 types of HSV which can cause genital herpes.

The most common cause of genital herpes is through the infection with HSV-2. Infection with HSV-1 most usually results in cold sores on the face.

One in five people in the USA are infected with HSV-2. A person who has genital herpes infection can easily pass or transmit the virus to an uninfected person via sexual contact or oral sex.

Most people either never have any symptoms or do not recognize any symptoms, thus they might not know they have genital herpes. Even when there are symptoms, they can be different for each individual.

When a person becomes infected with herpes for the first time, the symptoms will appear within 2 to 10 days. These first episodes of symptoms usually last 14 to 21 days.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

	Usually small red bumps appear first, and then develop into blisters which will become painful open sores. Over the next several days, the sores become crusty and then heal without leaving a scar.
	Itching in the genital area (or anal area)
	Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area.
	Discharge of fluid from the vagina
	Possibly fever,headache, fatigue, painful urination and muscle aches

Once a person gets infected, the HSV remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life, and can produce symptoms off and on, known as "recurrence". In most cases, these repeat outbreaks are not as severe or long-lasting as the initial outbreak.

Preventing recurrences

Certain warning symptoms may occur in some people just before the blisters appear. Watch out for these warning symptoms that an outbreak may be coming:

	Itching, burning or tingling in the affected area
	Headache
	Fatigue
	Flu-like symptoms: aches and pains, feeling generally unwell.

Although there is no cure for herpes, your doctor might prescribe one of three medicines to treat it:

	Acyclovir (Zovirax®) treats the first and/or later episodes of genital herpes.
	Famciclovir (Famvir®) treats later episodes of genital herpes and helps prevent future outbreaks.
	Valacyclovir (Valtrex®) treats later episodes of genital herpes.

During an outbreak, keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate.


		Genital Herpes