How to recognise the symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV has two forms – HSV-1 and HSV-2. The HSV-1 strain causes oral herpes and is the main reason behind cold sores around the mouth. These active cold sores on the mouth can also transmit the infection, if they come directly in contact with the genitals during oral sex. The HSV-2 strain mainly disturbs the genital area and causes fluid-filled blisters on or around the genitals or anus. Just like others STDs, this virus is spread through unprotected sex with an infected person. The virus can be passed on through vaginal, oral or anal sex.

Genital herpes can affect anyone who is sexually active, but it is more common amongst young men and women between the ages of 20 and 24. If you get infected with this infection, you will not witness any symptoms right away. It may remain unnoticed for months or even years before you finally experience an outbreak. A genital herpes infection causes red sores, which produce blisters filled with fluid. The common symptoms of genital herpes are burning sensation during urination, swelling in the glands or the groin and an abnormal urethral discharge. You may also experience an itching or tingling sensation associated with a feeling of discomfort.

Sometimes this virus can also be active on the skin. This stage is known as the 'shedding phase', during which few or no genital herpes symptoms are visible, but the virus can still be transmitted. Genital herpes are very painful and uncomfortable. It can easily spread through mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-genital or genital-to-genital contact, as the bodily fluids in these areas comes in contact with each other. The initial symptoms of herpes are outbreaks of blisters and causing bleeding, which eventually get a coating and heal. However, it is always advised that you should seek treatment for this infection as soon as possible. An appropriate treatment can significantly ease the pain and symptoms that are associated with it. It may even inhibit an outbreak from happening.

The herpes simplex virus is considered more dangerous as it can spread even through skin-to-skin contact, and not just by a penetrative sex. It can also be passed on to a new born baby during a vaginal birth. It is a bitter fact that there is no permanent cure for an HSV infection as the virus never leaves your body and can become active again. You can experience new outbreaks of symptoms many times in a single year. However, there is a significant decrease in frequency and severity of the symptoms over time.

A good treatment can help you to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by this virus. The most widely prescribed genital herpes treatment is Aciclovir. Some of the prescription medications are Valtrex and Famvir which can also be used to treat recurring outbreaks. Aciclovir is an anti-viral medication that can effectively treat viral infections such as genital herpes, cold sores and shingles. This medication can also be used by people who experience outbreaks of herpes virus quite regularly.

The usual dosage which a doctor will recommend you is one 200mg Aciclovir tablet five times a day for five successive days to get rid of all the discomfort. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, you can also take a single 200mg tablet four times a day for a complete year to prevent them from occurring regularly. You can buy this medication from any of the registered online pharmacies after finishing a free and confidential online consultation with a licensed doctor. The medication will be delivered to your doorstep without disclosing your identity.