Facts You Need To Know About Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that any sexually active individual can suffer from; in fact, it is more common than you may think. One of every six individuals ages 14 to 49 has genital herpes.

If you're an individual suffering from genital herpes, there's no reason for panic -- as uncomfortable as it may be. So instead, please read our guide below to learn your best course of action.

How Do I Know if I Have Genital Herpes?

If you've contracted genital herpes, your symptoms may show anywhere from two to 12 days after you get the virus. Signs to look out for include:

Itching or Pain. You may experience tenderness and pain in your genital region until the infection clears.
Tiny White Blisters or Small Red Bumps. These bumps and blisters may show up a few days after infection.
Ulcers may appear when blisters rupture and bleed or ooze.
As ulcers heal, your skin will form scabs.

What Causes Genital Herpes?

There are two types of viruses that cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. These viruses can come from people’s bodily fluids, such as saliva, vaginal secretions, and semen.

When you make contact with the virus, it enters your body through mucous membranes -- thin layers of tissue around the openings of your body -- and integrates itself with your cells.

How Do I Reduce My Risk of Getting Herpes?

The only way to completely avoid getting genital herpes is not to have sex; otherwise, there are a few things you can do to lower your chances of contracting genital herpes:

Have only one sexual partner and make sure that partner is not infected with an STD.
Have your partner use latex condoms correctly every time you have sex.

How Do I Treat My Genital Herpes?

There’s no cure for genital herpes, but treatment can help clear up symptoms.

If it’s your first time getting genital herpes, the doctor may prescribe:

Antiviral medicine
Cream to ease the pain

If the genital herpes blisters come back:

Visit an OB-GYN immediately for further treatment.

Final Thoughts

Contracting genital herpes is not a pleasant experience. But the reality is that genital herpes is a common STD, and anyone can contract it. After all, your sexual partner may have the disease and spread it to you even if they don't show any symptoms.

If the time comes that you experience any of the symptoms listed above and you are in the Tri-cities (Kennewick, Pasco Richland), then it would be best not to panic and instead contact Complete Healthcare for Women immediately. Richard Lorenzo, DO & Kortney Jones, ARNP can provide a complete diagnosis and prescribe the proper treatment for you. (509) 392-6700.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, August 28). STD Facts - Genital Herpes. https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm

Macon, B. L. (2020, October 30). Genital Herpes. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/std/genital-herpes

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, October 13). Genital herpes - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms-causes/syc-20356161

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

(509) 392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP

Author

Kortney Jones, ARNP Kortney Jones is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She provides OB/GYN services, including birth control, pregnancy and prenatal care, and infertility, as well as gynecological services, such as women’s health and wellness, abnormal uterine bleeding, weight loss, pellet hormone therapy, and menopause.