Genital Herpes is an infection that occurs in the urinary and sexual organs. It is transmittable; at times, it can even pose risks that are beyond treatment. When identified and treated in the early stages, Herpes is easy to control, though it is recurring.

In this article, we will explore more about Herpes and its signs, treatment, and precautionary measures. We will also understand how it impacts adults and babies and the risks involved.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It can occur to both women and men. The risks of spreading Herpes are more from men to women than from women to men. The main cause of genital herpes virus is the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two variants of HSV: HSV1 and HSV2.

HSV1 is slightly lesser in its spread rate while HSV2 spreads faster. Both these viruses, spread through open sores, but HSV2 can affect a person even if they do not have any open sore. While the Herpes due to HSV1 can be counteracted with Genital Herpes Cream Over the Counter, in severe cases of both the variants, medical help might be necessary.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Herpes can be recurring. However, the first-time occurrence can be more impactful. Usually, individuals with Herpes cannot identify that they are infected until the virus shows up its symptoms.

First-level symptoms of genital herpes include itching and tingling in the genital areas. Advanced stages of herpes show up as sores of varying sizes and intensity at the urinary tract, buttock, penis, scrotum, cervix, and vagina.

The only way to identify Herpes is to get a check done by an expert nurse or doctor. The intensity and type of sores can vary in men and women and a doctor can identify them by looking or suggesting a fluid check. In rare cases, you may need a blood check-up.

Who is at risk of genital herpes?

Genital herpes mainly transmits due to sexual contact. The following categories are more prone to the risk of genital herpes:

• Individuals who involve in unsafe sex without using condoms.

• Individuals who participate in oral sex and anal sex.

• Women are prone to higher risks than men.

What are the risks of Genital Herpes?

The risks of Genital Herpes vary among individuals based on their existing health condition. In most cases, the early symptoms appear like flu symptoms:

Risks to pregnant women: In pregnant women, genital herpes can increase the risk of cesarean section, premature birth, babies with low birth weight, and even death of the baby.

Urinary problems: If left untreated, the HSV virus can affect the urinary tract and bladder. It can cause burning while passing urine and might need surgery to open the urinary tract closed due to the infection.

Risks to newborns: The risks of Herpes in babies can be serious. Newborns of mothers with the herpes virus are more prone to side effects. Depending on the severity, babies can experience seizures, high fever, tiredness, loss of vision, and brain damage. The symptoms can be observed from a week or beyond the birth of the baby.

Sexually transmittable diseases: Sores in the genital areas can increase the risk of sexually transmittable diseases such as HIV and AIDS.

Impact on the nervous system: In the early stages of HSV, individuals may experience back pain. In its severity, HSV can impact the cerebrospinal fluid causing brain and spinal cord damage.

How to prevent Genital Herpes?

The main source of spreading of Herpes is sexual contact and or open sores. Hence it is vital to ensure the following precautions to prevent Herpes:

• Indulge safe sex with condoms and limit the number of sexual partners.

• Consult a doctor if you are pregnant and have genital herpes to take medication that curbs the risks while delivery.

• Refrain from intercourse, anal sex, or oral sex with infected individuals.

Conclusion

The virus stays in the body even after the first infection. It is essential to control Herpes at its onset with the help of Genital Herpes Cream Over the Counter. The recurrence period can vary from weeks to months to years. If you are pregnant or suffering from other long-lasting health complications, seek medical help to handle Herpes recurrences.