By Ruth Eze, 11/05/2019
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a herpes simplex virus. It usually causes sores around the buttocks, genital areas and thighs.
The American Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 1 out of 6 people in the US, between the ages of 14 to 49 years, have the virus.
. This virus is of two types, the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 causes oral herpes, also known as a cold sore, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes.
We mainly find the virus around the penis, vulva, near the anus, on the thigh, and on the buttocks. They enter the body via the mucous membranes where they stay and multiply, causing herpes outbreak.
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What are the herpes symptoms in men and women?
The symptoms of genital herpes in men and women are most times confusing because most people don’t have symptoms at all and those who have experienced mild symptoms which they mistake as pimples.
However, few people who experience symptoms usually witness it a few days, weeks or even years after contraction.
That is why it is only a laboratory test that can state if you’re having the virus or not.
Below are some herpes symptoms in men and females
- An itchy sensation that resembles an insect bite
- Development of sores and lesions around the genital organs
- The lesion becomes ulcerated (open sores) and oozes fluid, which may last up to 3 weeks. (2)
- Swollen glands
- Fever
- A Headache
- Painful urination
All these symptoms are noticed around the penis, vulva, near the anus, on the thigh, and on the buttocks. (3)
How Are Genital Herpes Transmitted?
Genital herpes are transmitted mainly through unprotected sex with a carrier.
Genital herpes can also transform into oral herpes or cold sores if you have oral or anal sex with a carrier.
Other ways of contracting the virus are
- Kissing an infected person
- Having skin contact with the sores
All these means of contraction are most effective during the contagious stage.
However, you will not get genital warts through
- Swimming pool
- Toilet seats
- Bed
- Touching soap or towels used by a carrier. (4)
Factors that trigger herpes outbreak in humans
Herpes virus once contracted may remain dormant in someone’s system for years, showing no symptoms, especially when your immune system is strong. A weak immune system is one of the major factors that caused the outbreak. Other factors include
- Stress
- Sex
- Fatigue
- Menstruation
- Sickness. (5)
What are the Natural Remedies for Genital Herpes?
When we talk about natural remedies for genital herpes, the first thing that comes to our mind is the immune system. A strong immune system is key to preventing a herpes outbreak.
To achieve this, you must eat those foods that boost the immune system. Examples include ginger, garlic, onions, pineapple, yoghurt, vegetables, etc.
Can herpes be cured permanently?
There is no cure for the herpes virus at the moment. However, there are some antibiotics that help in reducing the duration and frequency of herpes outbreaks. Some medications can prevent the passage of infection from one partner to another during sex.
prevention of herpes virus
Most people with a weaker immune system used to have more outbreaks of herpes than others. It is therefore important to work towards boosting your immune system to avoid an unnecessary outbreak of genital shingles.
Eat those foods that can boost your immune system. Examples include:
- Chicken Meat
- Fish
- Margarine
- Yoghurt
- Vegetables
- Soya beans
- Immune-boosting herbs.
Also, try to avoid these foods that cause a herpes outbreak. They include foods rich in arginine but low in lysine. Examples are wheat, chocolate, most seeds, and nuts, etc.
- Avoid stress.
- Say no to smoking and alcoholism.
- Stop having unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Always use a condom during sex.
Treatment of Herpes Symptoms in Men and Women
- Famciclovir (famir)
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Penciclovir (Denavir)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex). (9)
Genital herpes and pregnancy, can the virus affect my baby?
If a pregnant woman has an active herpes virus during delivery, it may get into the infants’ blood, resulting in neonatal herpes.
Neonatal herpes is an infant’s deadly disease that may cause brain damage, damage to the central nervous system or even the death of a baby.
It is always higher on women who contract the virus at their late pregnancy stage because they have no antibodies against the virus and such will expose their baby to the infection during delivery.
Women who contract genital herpes before conception have a lower risk of passing it on to their offspring because their body has developed immunity against it.
It is always important for pregnant mothers to go for a blood test to make sure they are herpes free, or speak with your health care provider, your doctor or nurse if you have the virus for proper monitoring till delivery.
The use of anti-herpes medicine may be effective if the symptoms are diagnosed earlier, otherwise cesarean section delivery becomes the only safe option. (8)
What is the link between genital herpes and HIV Aids?
The herpes virus causes sores in the mouth and around the genital organs, this increases the chances of contracting the Hiv virus. Hiv/Aids get into the body through fluid contact and having a lesion in your mouth or within your genital area leaves you with greater risk if you are having an affair with an infected person.
What does it mean to be a carrier of the herpes virus or genital shingles?
Being a herpes carrier means someone who has suffered from the virus before, and once a sufferer remains a carrier.
The virus remains dormant in your body even when you are healthy and can resurface whenever you expose yourself to heavy stress, or when your immune system is down.
What do herpes look like on a man when it first starts
Within a few hours before the herpes outbreak, the victim experiences mild tingling/itching in the affected area. After those early symptoms, the lesions develop into painful red sores which transform into a yellowish fluid-filled blister after one or two days. The blisters burst, leaving an ulcer that heals within two weeks.
Can herpes turn to cancer?
The herpes virus doesn’t cause cancer. Cancers are caused by radiation, sunburn, lineage, and others.
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and just wanted to say what a helpful article this is. I’ve had cold sores since forever and have only recently tried to find natural ways to remedy them. I started using essential oils and they work GREAT! I’ve even written about it on my own blog Healedwithherbs.com. coupled with the info on your blog, it seems like there are some very strong natural cures for this life long virus.