Female Genital Herpes
Female genital herpes is caused by the HSV-2 virus. It is also called type 2. This infection may go unnoticed for some time. There may be no apparent symptoms. On the other hand, it may present a number of problems. Here is information on this infectious virus.
Female Genital Herpes Photo by Helga Weber via Flickr
The Virus
The type 2 virus is a sexually transmitted disease. This also means mouth to genital contact. However, it is also possible to spread the virus in non sexual ways. For example, one may develop genital herpes sores that can be contagious, with contact. It is estimated that a large percentage of the population has this infection. Some estimates are over twenty percent.
The type 2 virus is similar to the virus that causes cold sores. Cold sores are causes by the HSV-1, or type 1 virus. It is possible for someone to be infected with both viruses.
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary a great deal with this disease. You may not know that you have it. On the other hand, you may have a rash in the genital area. It will usually appear within two weeks after contacting the infection. The rash may be very uncomfortable and itchy. It may also be sore to the touch. It may begin as small, reddish bumps. These bumps may become larger and turn into sores. The itching and burning can be extremely uncomfortable. The rash may appear inside and outside of the vagina. The buttocks and thigh areas may also be affected.
You may feel ill, like you have the flu. Overall body aches are not uncommon. Sometimes there is pain or problems in urinating. These symptoms may range from mild to severe. If they are very mild, you may not realize that you have the infection. In these cases, it is very easy to spread the virus. People that unaware of the disease, are less likely to have unprotected sex.
The symptoms may come and go in flare ups. Later flare ups may not be as serious as the early ones. You might think that you do not have a problem. In fact, you may have flare ups and not realize what they are. The only way to be sure, is to see your doctor, and have testing.
Treatments
If you have the infection, you have two basic treatment options. One is called sporadic. The other is known as suppression therapy
Sporadic
Sporadic treatment involves the use of anti viral medications. Whenever you have a flare up, you take the medication. You take it for several days. When the symptoms go away, you stop the medication.
Suppression
Suppression therapy involves taking anti viral medication every day. This works well for those with severe and frequent flare ups. It may even prevent flare ups. It is also more difficult to pass the infection to others, this way.
Summary
Female genital herpes may not exhibit any symptoms. On the other hand, you may have a painful and itchy rash, or sores. You may also have flu like symptoms. The only way to know for sure, is to be tested. Treatment involves anti viral drugs. You either take them every day, or only when you have flare ups.
September 06 2010 11:00 am | Symptoms of Vaginal Herpes
June 29th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
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