How do I know if I have genital herpes?
How do I know if I have genital herpes?
Despite the fact that millions of Americans are living with
genital herpes, the disease can be surprisingly difficult to
detect in some cases. However, many people with genital herpes
have at least some detectable signs.
The most obvious sign of genital herpes is the appearance of red
bumps in and/or around the genital area, often starting around
two weeks after the initial exposure to herpes. The bumps may
spread to the anus and/or surrounding skin, and in some cases
also develop within the vagina and/or urinary tract. These bumps
turn into blisters, which in turn become sores. Often these
sores become encrusted and very itchy; after a period of time,
however, they will clear up. An outbreak can involve a large
number of sores, but can just as easily involve just a single
one.
Because genital herpes is incurable, these outbreaks will recur
over time. Certain medications are available to increase the
length of time in-between herpes outbreaks.
Other symptoms of genital herpes may or may not accompany an
outbreak. These include a reddening and/or sudden extreme
dryness of the genital area; a burning, itching, and/or painful
sensation in the genital area; vaginal discharge; difficulty
urinating; headache; fever; and/or swollen glands.
The most difficult aspect of genital herpes, and a large
contributor to its spread, is that the herpes virus can remain
inactive in many individuals and never cause them to show any
signs or symptoms of the condition. However, they are still able
to spread genital herpes to others. Many times the symptoms of
genital herpes are confused with other conditions, such as yeast
infections, urinary tract infections, and even ingrown hairs.
While it's important to know and be able to recognize the
symptoms of genital herpes, you should always seek an official
diagnosis from a medical professional if you are at all
concerned that you may have contracted the disease. Only they
will be able to say for certain whether your symptoms are the
result of herpes. If you do have genital herpes, they can
provide you with medication and important information necessary
to handle the condition.
If you are currently experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes,
a doctor can diagnose your condition visually. A blood test or a
viral culture can also check for the herpes simplex virus,
although results can be vague and/or inaccurate in many cases.
Two different strains of the herpes simplex virus lead to
genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former, HSV-1, can indicate
any form of herpes, including mouth sores, and does not
necessarily translate into a genital herpes diagnosis. However,
HSV-2 is almost always linked to genital herpes, and is a more
reliable sign of the disease.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and you should
seek the advice of a professional regarding your particular
situation.
About the Author: Robert Green knows that 1 in 5 Americans has
Genital Herpes. For more information on symptoms and what to do
visit: http://www.Genital-Herpes-Solutions.com.