Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection that is characterized by repeated eruptions of small, painful blisters on the genitals, around the rectum, or covering adjacent areas of skin. Because the virus is transmitted through secretions from the oral or genital mucosa (skin), common sites of infection in men include the shaft and head of the penis, the scrotum, inner thighs, and anus. The labia, vagina, cervix, anus, and inner thighs are common sites in women. Research suggests that the virus can be transmitted when no symptoms are present, so that a sexual partner without obvious genital herpes sores may still transmit the illness. Because of this it is felt that asymptomatic spread may actually contribute more to the spread of genital herpes than do active sores.

The symptoms of genital herpes usually start with a discomfort feeling in the area of your genitals. A short time after small spot or dimple appears on the surface of the genital skin. These spots after a few days will develop into blisters, they will become more painful and eventually split open and scab over. The timescale of these genital herpes symptoms is around 1-2 weeks until all blisters are gone and no scars remain. The herpes virus is then in a dormant stage and recurrence may be frequent or make take several months to reoccur. Genital herpes cannot be cured. However, treatment can relieve the symptoms. Medication can rapidly decrease the pain and discomfort associated with an outbreak and can shorten healing time as well.

Genital Herpes study