Everyone has heard of genital herpes, but many people do not know the details behind this common sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex 2 virus, and Type 1 viruses produce cold sores.  Genital herpes is spread during any form of sexual contact and activity if either you or your partner is the carrier. Oral sex and anal sex are both equally as contagious as vaginal sex, and once infected, the virus will stay in your body forever. There are several forms of treatment, but this can only be done when outbreaks and flare up occurs. The virus will remain dormant in the body until an outbreak occurs, and many people only have a few outbreaks in their lifetime. Once the treatment is complete after a flare up, the virus returns to a dormant state, but never leaves the body.

Herpes Flare Ups

It may take several days or weeks before you see any symptoms of the disease after sexual contact. The initial outbreak is usually ignored since it is usually mild, lasting a few days. The second flare up is usually much more severe, and can occur anytime after the initial infection. The typical symptoms are sore around the genital area, fever, headache, muscle aches, and women can develop sores around the cervix. Until proper blood work is done, many doctors will treat the infection as some other disease, which is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately after a breakout. Some people only see one outbreak in their lifetime, but the one flare up is usually severe. The sores can be quite painful, which is why seeing your doctor is vital when a breakout occurs.

You should always avoid sexual activities when a flare up occurs, and the skin should be healed before attempting any sexual contact again. You are extremely potent of the disease when your have an outbreak, which is also why you should avoid sexual contact if your partner is suffering from a flare up as well.

Treating Genital Herpes

When you experience a breakout, you should consult your doctor to seek the best treatment option available for you. Just like cold sore and genital wart treatment, the doctor will usually prescribe anti viral cream and medications. These medications will shorten the life of the flare up and reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

Once the treatment is complete, the herpes virus will remain in a dormant state until the next breakout occurs. If you treat a flare up immediately, the chances of another breakout reduces considerably.