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Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and is characterized by sores or blisters around the genitals. Herpes is a relatively common infection, with the World Health Organization estimating that 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 have it. In the United States, it’s estimated that one in every six people between the ages of 14 and 49 have HSV-2, the type of herpes that most often causes genital sores. While there is no cure for herpes, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. 

Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

There are a number of symptoms that can be associated with genital herpes. These can include:

  • Small, painful blisters or ulcers on the genitals
  • Itching or burning sensation on the genitals
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches and swollen glands
  • Painful urination

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible so that they can confirm whether or not you have genital herpes.

How Genital Herpes Is Passed On

Genital herpes is most commonly passed on through sexual contact. This can happen when there is skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. The virus can be passed on even if there are no symptoms present.

Sexual contact includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed on through other close skin-to-skin contact, such as sharing sex toys. Herpes can be passed from one person to another even when there is no outbreak of sores.

The virus can also be passed on to a baby during childbirth if the mother has an active herpes infection. Genital herpes can also be spread by sharing needles or other injecting equipment when using drugs.

Are There Any Tests For Genital Herpes

There are several tests available for genital herpes. Your doctor can order a blood test to look for the virus or do a swab test of an active sore to check for the presence of the virus. There is also a new FDA-approved test that can detect herpes DNA in fluid from infected areas.

Treatment For Genital Herpes

There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments that can help. Treatment can help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks and can help prevent the spread of the infection to others.

There are two types of treatment for genital herpes: antiviral medication and home remedies. Antiviral medication can be taken to help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks and can also help prevent the spread of the infection to others. Home remedies, such as applying ice or taking a warm bath, can also help relieve pain and discomfort during an outbreak.

If you have genital herpes, it is important to talk to your partner about the infection and how it is spread. It is also important to practice safe sex by using condoms every time you have sex, even if you are not having an outbreak.

How To Prevent Genital Herpes

There is no certain way to prevent genital herpes. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting herpes or spreading it.

Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, so you can reduce your risk by avoiding contact with someone who has herpes. If you have herpes, you can reduce your risk of spreading it by using a condom every time you have sex and avoiding sexual contact when you have sores.

You can also get a vaccine against HSV-2, the type of herpes that most often causes genital herpes. The vaccine is most effective in people who have not yet been exposed to HSV-2.

Possible Complications If Genital Herpes Left Untreated

If genital herpes is left untreated, it can lead to a number of complications. The most serious complication is the risk of transmitting the virus to others. This can happen through sexual contact or by sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

Other possible complications include:

Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes. These can be more frequent and more severe if the virus is not properly treated.

Psychological distress. The stigma associated with genital herpes can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can occur when the herpes virus spreads from the genitals to the uterus or fallopian tubes. PID can cause infertility, chronic pain, and other problems.

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