On today's episode of learning more about sexually transmitted infections, I will be writing about Genital Herpes. I took a special interest in studying and writing about sexually transmitted infections because, so many people believe that once they have tested negative for HIV/AIDS virus then there is nothing to fear, but there is a lot to fear and one of them is Genital Herpes.
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that causes herpetic sores, the sores are painful blisters that can break open and then ooze out a fluid. Two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause genital herpes;
The virus enters the body through skin abrasions or mucous membranes, what are mucous membranes? It is that thin layer of tissue that lines the opening of the body, these membranes can be found in the genitals, the nose, and the mouth. Once the virus gets into the body, they incorporate itself into the cells and the virus will find its way to adapt or multiply to the environment very quickly, making treatment difficult.
There is a tendency of getting herpes if you have come in contact with;
Most people that have herpes simplex virus (HSV) do not even know they have it, simply because for them, there are no visible displayed symptoms or maybe the symptoms come off as very mild. The symptoms of HSV begin to display after 2-12 days of being exposed to the virus, the symptoms include;
When there is an outbreak at first, flu-like symptoms may come with it, examples of flu-like symptoms that can be experienced are; Body aches, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, and headaches. The first place sores appear in your body is the means through which there was an infection, the infection can be spread to other body paths when you touch a sore and then begin to rub or scratch other regions of the body, this includes the eyes and the fingers. Sores can come out in the; Anus, mouth, urethra, buttocks, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, vulva, thighs, and even rectum.
While some people may not experience symptoms, the case of repeated outbreaks is not far-fetched. The first outbreak is often the most severe one, but when mixed with a low immune system, there is a higher chance of getting other viruses like HIV.
There are lots of treatment options for genital and oral herpes. The discomfort felt from herpes symptoms can be relieved through;
Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications.
Applying aloe vera gels to the visible sores.
Application of cream or lotion to the urethra before you urinate, a good cream is one that contains lidocaine.
Staying away from every form of sexual activity until symptoms disappear totally.
Having your bath in water that is lightly salted or gets soaked in a warm sitz bath.
You can also apply petroleum jelly to the affected region.
Herpes virus cannot be treated, there is no drug that can eliminate the virus, but doctors can recommend an antiviral medication that can help prevent the virus from getting multiplied. However, some prescribed over-the-counter medications and treatment creams can help manage the painful, tingling, and itching feeling experienced. With the use of antiviral medications, the symptoms would get resolved within a day or two more than when there is no treatment at all, medications would also reduce how severe the symptoms felt.
If a person has fewer cases of genital herpes in a year, a doctor will recommend an antiviral medication whenever it happens, an antiviral medication would be recommended. Taking the prescribed medication for a longer period would reduce significantly and take out the risk of passing herpes to a partner.
In order to protect yourself from getting or passing herpes, you need to protect yourself during sexual activities, make use of condoms during sexual intercourse, stay away from sex when you begin to feel the symptoms of herpes, and if you have a cold sore around your mouth, then avoid kissing, ensure to wash your hands properly all the time especially when you touch the areas with visible sore.
Conclusion.
Herpes cannot be cured, there is no specific treatment option that can make Herpes disappear, but there are medications and home-remedy options that can ease the symptoms felt. The best way to protect oneself from getting herpes or any other sexually transmitted disease/infection is through the practice of safe sex, always using condoms during oral sex, and making sure that you stick with one sexual partner who only has you as a sexual partner as well.
Appreciate the time taken to go through my post, the love received through upvotes as well. Until I come your way again with another helpful content on sexually transmitted infections.
