What is Genital Herpes....?
Genital herpes is caused by the virus Herpes simplex 2. However, Herpes simplex 1, which causes cold sores, can also cause some infection. New cases of herpes are most common among women and men over 20.

How does one contract Genital Herpes....?
Genital herpes is an extremely common infection.The infection is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. A virus called herpes simplex causes genital herpes.

There are two types of herpes simplex, type 1, and type 2. Type 1 is the main cause of cold sores around the nose and mouth, and type 2 is mainly responsible for genital herpes. However, the two types are very similar and it is possible for infection to spread from mouth to genital area, and vice versa. This could happen during oral sex.

What are the symptoms of Genital Herpes....?
Symptoms of herpes are usually tingling or itching on or around the genital area followed by the appearance of small, painful blisters. Other symptoms include general flu-like symptoms such as headache, backache or a temperature and burning sensation when passing urine.

People with herpes are most infectious when they have sores or blisters.
Tests for herpes can only be done during an episode of blisters.
Similar symptoms happen in men and women. Initially there may be nothing to see but just a stinging, itching, or tingling in the genital or anal area.

Later small blisters, containing clear fluid will appear, but they are not always visible, especially if they are in the vagina or cervix. When these burst, they leave small red ulcers, which can be very sore. If these are near the urethra (the tube where the urine comes out), passing urine can be painful. The ulcers usually heal up within two weeks.

Once the virus has entered the body, it enters the nerve fibres, and ends up in the nerve root. The virus normally stays there for the rest of the person's life, and doesn't do any harm. However, some people will get sores from time to time. Others will never actually get any sores, possibly because they have a resistance to the virus.

What treatments are there for Genital Herpes....?
No cure is yet available for herpes but an anti-viral drug (Aciclovir) can reduce the severity of the first and recurrent episodes as well as the length of the first episode.

Most people will only have one or two attacks of herpes but some may have more regular re-ocurrences.

Although there is no long-term cure, there is some medication available which may help to speed up healing of the sores. If you are going to take tablets, they must be started within 24-48 hours of the blisters developing.

There are things that you can do to help with the symptoms. Take paracetamol or another mild painkiller if the pain is bad. A cool shower can help soothe the sores. Otherwise, try wrapping ice cubes in a piece of cotton and place this on the sores.

Don't put ice directly on the sores, and do not use the cloth for anything else.
Local anaesthetic gels can help the discomfort as well. Wear loose clothing, and where practical leave the sores exposed to the air as much as possible, to help dry them out. Get plenty of rest during and after the attack, Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and try to cut back on cigarettes and alcohol.

What happens to untreated Genital Herpes....?
Your sores can eventually settle on their own if left untreated but remember whilst they are present you would be infectious to your partner.

What can I do to test myself for Genital Herpes....?
If you are still worried and would like more advice or information on Sexual Infections please visit http://discreethealthcheck.co.uk.