Causes and Symptoms
Herpes simplex is a viral infection of two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. It is passed through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sexual intercourse and other close genital contact.
HSV-1 causes cold sores around the mouth and on the face and is most infectious when the sores are visible.
HSV-2 causes herpes around the genitalia.
Symptoms include:
- Itching and tingling around the genitals
- Small painful red spots that turn into blisters:
These blisters will eventually burst turning into rather sore ulcers; these will eventually dry up and heal after 10-14 days - Flu like symptoms such as headaches, backache or a temperature
- Pain when passing urine
The symptoms for genital herpes usually occur within 2-7 days after sexual contact with someone who already has the virus.
Treatment
There is no cure for genital herpes and once infected it can lay dormant and reoccur at a later date. Antiviral drugs will reduce the symptoms during episodes.
