How can I Prevent Genital Herpes ?
If you are sexually active, be sure to use a condom every time you have sex, even if your partner doesn’t show symptoms of genital herpes. Condoms that cover the infected area can help reduce the risk of transmission. However, condoms may not cover all of the affected area. Do not have oral sex with someone who has cold sores.
Communication is very important in preventing the spread of herpes. Ask your partner if he or she has ever had a herpes infection or been tested.
What are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes ?
During the first outbreak (called primary herpes), some people experience flu-like symptoms such as body aches, fever and headache. Most people who have herpes infection will have outbreaks of sores and symptoms from time to time.
A few days after you are exposed to the virus, herpes sores usually form around the genital area. The sores usually start as one or more groups of tiny, clear blisters with a red base. When they break open, they form pink or red sores that usually crust over and heal within 2 to 12 days. The blisters are typically in clusters, but you might just have one blister. Other symptoms of genital herpes may include :
- Painful sores in the genital area
- Sore lymph nodes in the groin area
- Vaginal discharge in women
- Painful urination
- Itching
Sometimes, people who are infected with HSV do not show any signs or symptoms after their first outbreak heals. Some people may not be aware they have herpes because they show no symptoms or believe their symptoms to be caused by some other problem. Yet, they still carry the virus and can transmit it to other people.
How can my doctor tell if I Have Genital Herpes ?
Your doctor can do tests to determine if you are infected. Some of the tests may include :
- A visual examination of the infected area
- A culture of the blisters
- Scraping the tissue of the possibly infected area
- Examining early ulcers in the laboratory
Your doctor can also test your blood to see if you have had previous exposure to a herpes virus. He or she might also want to test you for other sexually transmitted infections.
The above information thankfully comes from the familydoctor.org at the following link.
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