Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. It is very common--about 50 million Americans have genital herpes. It is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses that can cause herpes. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) primarily causes oral herpes (cold sores). Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) primarily causes genital herpes.
Even though HSV-1 causes the majority of oral herpes cases and HSV-2 causes the majority of genital herpes cases, both of these viruses can cause oral herpes, genital herpes, or both.
Once a person gets the genital herpes virus, it stays in their body for life.
What happens if someone has an attack of genital herpes?
With recurrent genital herpes, symptoms can soon come and go. When the herpes virus symptoms appear from time to time, it is called a \"herpes outbreak.\" Between outbreaks, when the virus is not present on the skin surface, the herpes virus is inactive and when reactivated, it travels to the skin in the genital area. An outbreak usually begins with a warning prodrome. Then, redness, bumps, and blisters may appear. The blisters can burst open and cause sores. There may be just one red, itchy blister or several.
What is a sign of a coming herpes outbreak?
A sign is the first stage of an outbreak when you feel symptoms such as pain, unusual burning, itching, tingling, or tenderness. Remember, this is the time to start treatment if you are treating with medication.
STD Information, Including Herpes Photos, HIV, Syphylis, Free Support Group and Chat, Go Here Now
![]() Private MD | Genital herpes risk factors Private MD Genital herpes may not get the attention afforded to other STDs, but individuals are actually much more likely to receive a positive herpes 2 test than they are to contract some more commonly recognized infections. However, understanding risk factors ... |
Sexually transmitted diseases: What is genital herpes? Times of India Because the virus does not live beyond the boundary of the body for long, you cannot catch genital herpes from an object, such as a lavatory seat. Today, Dr A. Chakravarthy - President of International Association of Sexual Medicine, ... |
Herpes Vaccine Proves Unsuccessful Indian Country Today Media Network.com By ICTMN Staff January 12, 2012 A vaccine thought to prevent two types of genital herpes fell short in a clinical trial, reported MSNBC. The experimental vaccine was found to moderately protect against only one of the two types of the sexually ... Genital Herpes Vaccine Not Ready for Prime Time |
![]() HealthJockey.com | Infections of the Reproductive System: Genital Herpes EmpowHer By Stacy Lloyd HERWriter January 9, 2012 - 3:27pm Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it's probably best known for causing sores and blisters. Vaccine for genital herpes simplex virus type 1 being studied Herpes Vaccine Trial has Disappointing Results Vaccine may prevent some herpes cases in women, according to researcher's study |
New Treatment Available for Painful and Embarrassing Genital Herpes Symptoms ... DigitalJournal.com (press release) More than 60 million people in the US suffer from genital herpes, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. If you are one of them, you probably already know there is no way to cure herpes. Genital herpes are caused by herpes viruses ... Relief for the Painful and Embarrassing Symptoms of Genital Warts and Other ... |