GENITAL HERPES
There are two types of this virus (HSV 1 and 2), both can cause genital herpes, and they are spread through sexual contact. Most people get infected after having sex with a person that has a herpes outbreak (this means that the virus is active). This virus can’t survive outside of the human body. It can only be transmitted through sexual intercourse or from mother to a newborn.
Carriers are often unaware that they carry and spread the virus, because they didn’t have any symptoms or did not recognise them as such.
It usually takes 2 to 10 days after the infection for the symptoms to develop. They can last up to three weeks. These symptoms are:
- Itching and stinging in the groin area
- Pain in the legs, genitals and gluteus
- Vaginal discharge
- Felling of pressure in your stomach
There is no cure for genital herpes. There are antiviral medications that can ease its symptoms and prevent it from receding, but there are no guarantees. Hygiene is very important during an outbreak as well as abstaining from sexual activity.
