Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common and uncomfortable sexually transmitted infection. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, this condition is highly infectious and causes a number of painful and unsightly symptoms. The virus affects people in different ways; some people see genital herpes symptoms soon after infection, while others may not see the symptoms for months, even years. The virus is also recurrent; genital herpes symptoms usually return to cause future outbreaks, sometimes within a few weeks of months.

There is currently no cure for genital herpes, but the condition is completely manageable. A number of effective genital herpes treatments, such as Famvir and Valtrex, can tackle the genital herpes symptoms and push the virus into remission. If you continue to use treatment, you can make the virus dormant, to the point where you don’t even know you have it.

What is genital herpes?

This condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are 2 different strains of this virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both strains can cause genital herpes, although HSV-1 tends to be less aggressive and may lead to minor symptoms, such as cold sores.

Once infected, some people will experience genital herpes symptoms within the first few days, and may suffer outbreaks 4 -5 times during the first 2 years. However, it’s estimated that as many as 80% of sufferers don’t even know they have the condition. Some of these people may never experience symptoms, while it maybe months or years before they require genital herpes treatment.

How can I contract the virus?

Genital herpes is usually contracted through unprotected sexual intercourse. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through skin to skin contact; if the herpes virus is present on the surface of skin, if can easily be passed on. This means that herpes can be passed on even if you don’t have penetrative sex. Oral sex or simply touching skin where active genital herpes symptoms are present can cause an infection.

What are the symptoms?

The first outbreak of genital herpes symptoms is usually the worst. It can last for up to 20 days unless you use an effective genital herpes treatment. Symptoms include:

• Skin ulcers
• Painful red blisters
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain when you urinate
• A fever

Later outbreaks are usually less severe, but you can still use a genital herpes treatment to increase your recovery time.

• Red sores
• Blisters and ulceration
• A tingling or burning sensation around your genitals

What causes an outbreak?

It’s not quite known what causes later outbreaks. The virus can remain inactive in your system for years before genital herpes symptoms reappear. Certain triggers are thought to contribute to outbreaks, these are:

• Fatigue and excessive tiredness
• Stress
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Direct sun exposure to your genitals
• Friction around your genital area

Is there no cure for herpes?

Sadly, there is no current cure for herpes. But with regular genital herpes treatment, the virus can be pushed into remission and the recurrence of genital herpes symptoms, their severity and duration, can all be reduced to a minimum. Over time, herpes outbreaks will decrease, and many will find the virus is virtually dormant within the system and rarely causes them embarrassment of discomfort.

Prescription genital herpes treatment?

121doc offers 2 effective genital herpes treatments that can help you to both fight and prevent outbreaks, while giving relief from the uncomfortable and unsightly genital herpes symptoms.

Valtrex is an effective anti-viral medication which can be used to effectively treat a full outbreak of the herpes virus. A reduction in uncomfortable symptoms are normally experienced with the first 24 hours, with the remaining symptoms disappearing within 5 - 10 days.

Famvir can stop an outbreak before it begins. As soon as you notice the early signs of an outbreak, taking Famvir can prevent it from getting any worse, within 24 hours. Famvir is also prescribed in a lower dosage to people who experience frequent outbreaks, so that they can push the virus into remission.