3 Potential Causes Of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is brought about by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus is classified into two types. HSV-1, which takes form in the mouth, and HSV-2 which forms around the genitals. Around one out of eight individuals are infected with HSV-2. Among those affected, about 80% are unaware of it. It's difficult to say when a person contracted HSV because the first signs could occur weeks, months, or even years later.
While there is no remedy for genital herpes several treatments may help control and relieve symptoms, as well as reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence of infection and the risk of possible transmission. Luminance RED published a list of supplements and vitamins that may help with genital herpes.
How Do People Get Genital Herpes
As said earlier, genital herpes is caused by HPV. The virus could penetrate the body through the following:
Tiny Cracks in the Skin
Soft Linings of the Lips
Vagina
Rectum
Urethra
Under The Foreskin
Any individual may get genital herpes once the virus has entered the body. It could become latent (inactive), but it remains in the body's infected region. The infection may reactivate in certain individuals from time to time, causing a reoccurrence of genital herpes that may be transmitted to another.
Here are some possible causes of genital herpes and how it’s transmitted.
1. Skin-To-Skin Contact
Herpes is readily transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It typically happens during sexual intercourse. When the genitals and/or mouth come into contact with the genitals and/or mouth of the infected person, the spread of the virus is likely to happen.
Receiving oral sex from a person with cold sores in the mouth could likely cause the virus to spread. When an individual with herpes uses their hand or finger to touch their partner's vagina, penis, or anal region, the infection may be passed on too.
2. Kissing And Childbirth
Herpes may also be transmitted non-sexually, such as when a parent with a cold sore kisses their child on the lips. During pregnancy and vaginal delivery, a mother could also transmit genital herpes to her child, but this is extremely rare.
3. Unsanitary Hands
Dirty hands could easily spread the virus to other parts of the body. The risk of spread could be caused when a person touches a herpes sore and then strokes a different part of the body without cleaning their hand first. This is also how people could pass herpes to anyone without sexual contact.
Since fluid from herpes blisters quickly spreads the infection, herpes is most infectious when sores are exposed and moist. It’s better to avoid touching the infected areas to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Symptoms Of Genital Herpes
Many individuals with genital herpes are unaware that they have it since most of them don't experience any symptoms.
For those who are experiencing symptoms, genital herpes could be excruciatingly painful and distressing during the initial outbreak. Frequently, the first outbreak is the most severe. In most cases, outbreaks get milder with time. Symptoms of genital herpes may include:
Blisters developing in the mouth, face, and everywhere else that have come into direct contact with infected areas.
Before blisters emerge, the area that's infected could itch or tingle.
Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, body aches, and fever.
Some individuals may feel severe pain and swelling in the genital region, resulting in increased pressure and trouble urinating.
How To Diagnose Genital Herpes
A visual inspection of the herpes sores by a medical professional could generally detect herpes infection. While they are not often needed, lab tests may be used by the doctor to validate the diagnosis.
Have a consultation with a physician if you believe you are susceptible to genital herpes, even if you don't show signs and symptoms yet.
Prevent The Spread
Try not to worry if you confirm that you have genital herpes. There are some things you could do to avoid transmitting it to your partner or others.
Always practice safe sex by using condoms during sexual intercourse.
Avoid kissing anyone if you have a cold sore in the mouth.
Avoid having sex during herpes outbreaks. Wait until all the scabs are healed and gone.
Consult your doctor about herpes medications to reduce the spread of the virus
It may be daunting to have a sexually transmitted infection, but herpes is fairly common and it does not cause significant health complications. While genital herpes could be a continuing condition, there are ways to handle and treat it. However, make sure to always consult a medical professional before applying any type of treatment.
