Genital Herpes – A Shared Pain

Here we are in the 21^st century and dealing with a STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) that is still plaguing us. A recent study by the NYC Health Department says that 1 in 4 adults in Unusual York City is now suffering from Genital Herpes, (the national average is 1 in 6). You would think that such a high statistic would draw mighty alarm, but unfortunately we’ve come to find that this is indeed our sad reality. Hopefully soon Americans’ will reflect this virus as an unnecessary faulty and be more proactive in protecting our society as a whole against it, but unto then, this particular “bug” just like any roach, will continue to crawl around and remain a unsafe hazard for us all.

WHAT EXACTLY IS GENITAL HERPES AND HOW IS IT SPREAD?

Genital Herpes is a disease (caused by Herpes Simplex Virus type 2(HSV-2) and on a lesser scale type 1(HSV-1) which is orally based). This disease is spread through behaviors relating to having intimate bodily contact with others who are infectious, an unfortunately this virus is a life-long sentence with no known cure. Genital Herpes is spread by touching (sores), kissing and sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, an anal sex. Sexual intercourse involves bodily fluids exchange such as semen and/or vaginal fluid, an is a route of transmission along with intimate skin-to-skin contact. These criteria classifies genital herpes as a STD.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE IT?

Genital Herpes may be asymptomatic (meaning having no symptoms at all) and symptoms can vary from person to person. The first outbreak can occur 2-20 days after the initial exposure. The infection (virus)stays in the body indefinitely and the number of and the intensity level of outbreaks (attacks) generally tends to lessen over time and takes on a much shorter duration than the initial occurrence, but again this varies depending on the individual.

*Symptoms can include*

-Tingling and/or itching in the genital area (penile, vaginal and rectum).

-Painful blisters/ulcers resulting as sores in the genital dwelling (including buttocks).

-Painful and burning urination (a sore could be blocking the urethral opening).

-Flu-like symptoms including fever and swollen lymph glands in the groin.

TREATMENT AVAILABLE?

The physician conducts an exam and/or orders any needed testing to assess if a Genital Herpes infection is indeed present an if founded, treatment is available. A diagnosis can be made by visual inspection and tissue samples taken of sores if present, for lab testing. There is also a blood test available to check for anti-bodies relating to any previous exposure. Symptoms can be alleviated with a variety of anti-viral and daily suppressive medications, such as Valacyclovir (Valtrex), Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Famciclovir (Famvir), these along with taking warm baths and the utilization of OTC pain-relieving drugs such as Ibuprofen can also offer relief from symptoms. These medications along with a reduced stress-free lifestyle, a generally healthy diet an a heightened awareness of one’s sexual health, can shorten and possibly prevent outbreaks. It is imperative that all sexual partners be seen for testing and/or treated because they too can have genital herpes show with no symptoms and can unknowingly spread the disease.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHOOSE NOT TO GET TREATED?

Genital Herpes can predispose individuals and make them more susceptible to HIV infection, which in turn can fabricate HIV-infected individuals highly infectious to everyone else.

*Treatment protocols are necessary to help prevent*

-The spread of the disease to other sexual partners.

-An increased risk of blindness and even death for new-born babies during vaginal births.

-A highly dangerous prognosis for people with weakened and compromised immune systems.

IS THERE PROTECTION?

-Staying with one partner who is monogamous too (meaning only intimate with you).

-Making sure that both you and your partner have been tested and using condoms on a consistent basis.

-Having regular checkups (annually), also get tested when involved with multiple partners or have a change in partners.

-Relaying any questions and/or concerns with a physician.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Acknowledge that this disease can be spread without any sores present and that most individuals are simply not aware that they even have the virus, so with that being said, remember that this virus is contagious even when no symptoms are felt or seen. Abstain from sexual activity until all sores are through the healing stage before sharp in any sexual encounters, an always use latex condoms. Although condoms are not 100% effective against spreading genital herpes, utilizing them helps reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. If you do have the disease don’t despair as you are not the only one living with genital herpes. Help and resources are available from your physician, through your local and state health agencies and also invaluable support can be found through self-help forum groups.

RESOURCES

National Herpes Hotline: (919)361-8488