Genital Herpes Recurrence
After the first episode of genital herpes, an infection will recur. The reason for this is unknown, but it usually lasts seven to 10 days and is less severe than the first episode. You will usually not feel unwell or feverish during the recurrence. However, you may feel some tingling or itchiness in the genital area. A reproduction may also occur without any warning.
Abstinence is the only way to prevent genital herpes.
While sexual abstinence may seem counter-intuitive, it is the only effective way to avoid contracting genital herpes. During outbreaks, people with genital herpes should abstain from sex. In addition, they should use a condom and wash their hands frequently after touching their genitals. If you suspect you have the disease, consult a physician.
The best way to prevent herpes is to abstain from sexual intercourse until the symptoms are gone. This means using condoms between outbreaks and abstaining altogether when there are no symptoms. Those in long-term monogamous relationships need to balance the risks of contracting the disease versus the inconvenience of not having sex. Abstinence is the only effective way to prevent genital herpes, and it can be complicated to follow.
Condoms can't always prevent the spread of genital herpes.
While the use of condoms helps prevent the spread of genital herpes, they're not effective at stopping the outbreak in its tracks. Condoms may cause sores on the condom, and skin near the genitals can transmit the virus to someone else. If you suspect that you or your partner may have the disease, get tested and take medication to help prevent the outbreak.
A study conducted on people infected with genital herpes found that five to 10 percent of these individuals became infected within a year. During sexual intercourse, the infection occurs in one out of every 1,000 contacts. The condition can be prevented by using condoms and taking antiviral medication daily. However, while condoms help, they can't stop the spread of the disease in all cases.
Symptoms of genital herpes
The symptoms of genital herpes vary from person to person and can range in severity. Some people experience numerous blisters, while others may have only one sore. In some cases, the symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. However, it's important to remember that the symptoms are common to both men and women. In most cases, the infection affects only the private parts. However, there are some common symptoms of genital herpes that both men and women can experience.
Generally, a first outbreak begins several days after the virus is transmitted. The time it takes to develop the epidemic can be anywhere from 2 to 12 days. The initial sores begin as small, fluid-filled bumps. Within a few days, they ooze out and crust over before healing. Infection is most likely to be transmitted during an outbreak compared to a dormant period. Therefore, women are often more likely to contract the disease than men.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options for genital herpes. Some people may experience only a single outbreak. Antiviral medicines are often prescribed to reduce the duration of attacks. However, these drugs don't completely eliminate the virus and may even increase your risk of viral resistance. For these reasons, doctors recommend that you seek medical advice if you experience recurring outbreaks. Other options for treatment include using topical creams or numbing agents.
Some people experience symptoms for several days or weeks after contracting genital herpes. Symptoms may include fever, pain in the vagina, and dysuria. While acyclovir may be able to alleviate the symptoms, it is not a cure for genital herpes. Therefore, it's best to begin treatment as soon as you notice an outbreak. Valacyclovir is another antiviral drug that can be taken orally. Both are effective when taken within 48 hours of herpes symptoms.
