Do I Have Female Genital Herpes

Female Genital Herpes

Female Genital Herpes is one of the most common and obstinate STD’s and as of now, there is no cure.  Transmission and signs of outbreak vary; prevention tactics and remedies are numerous .  We will attempt to bring to light some of these in the following paragraphs .

What is Female Genital Herpes?  Known formally as Herpes Simplex II (HSV-II), it is a virus that finds itself taking up residence in the sacral ganglion at the base of the spine. From there, it recurs in the genital area in the form of blisters or pimple like pustules.  These blisters form and burst open forming scabs until healed .  Outbreaks do vary in length of time and severity usually lasting anywhere from 10-14 days   The first outbreak is commonly the most painful and longest lasting and subsequent breakouts can happen weeks or months after. The first breakout usually occurs within 2 weeks of your initial contact with the virus.  Breakouts will appear in females near either the vaginal or rectal areas and sometimes will develop in the uterus.  Some people experience flu like symptoms or swelling of the lymph nodes in more severe cases.  Although there is no cure as of yet, breakouts tend to become less frequent and severe as time progresses.

It is important to note that although this is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Female Genital Herpes can be transmitted in other ways besides vaginal or anal intercourse.  Herpes can transmitted through all forms of sexual contact; kissing, oral to genital contact, as well as “sex toys.”  A individual can be infected without outward signs i.e., blisters or scabbing on the already infected partner.  Most people dismiss any outward signs as pimples or some other more common skin afflictions and never know that they in fact transmitting the virus to an unsuspecting significant other .  HSV-II can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth and if an breakout is present the doctor may opt for a C-Section .

Although there are no cures for genital herpes there are many prescription , over the counter and herbal remedies available to shorten outbreaks and quell the pain.  A healthy diet and reduction of mental stress are two of the best ways to combat breakouts and decreasing severity.  Many of these treatment ideas can be found in any number of very informative e-books or research materials.

Diagnosis of Female Genital Herpes is done most commonly in two ways: Blood Tests or visual inspection.  Your doctor can run blood tests for the presence of antibodies related to the herpes simplex II virus confirming infection.  The outward and obvious presence of blisters can also give a visual verification of HSV-II infection.

Genital and rectal sores can be found in both men and women , but transmission can be lowered with use of latex condoms.  The virus remember, can be transmitted by a partner that does not have any outward signs also, known as asymptomatic viral shedding and any infected person showing outward signs should abstain from sex for at least one after an outbreak.

We hope we have shed a bit more light on the subject of Female Genital Herpes and encourage you to investigate further.