What is Herpes?

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It’s caused by 2 virus a) HSV 1(Herpes Simplex type 1 : It causes sores in mouth b) HSV2(Herpes Simplex type 2): which targets your genetal. The symptoms mainly includes itching and painful inflammation on skin which may lead to blisters and sores. It is an incurable disease and can only be curbed and Genital herpes symptoms come and go over the person’s lifetime due to re-activations of the virus.

You can get genital herpes after coming into contact with HSV-1 or HSV–2. Most people get genital herpes from HSV–2, which they get during sex. If someone has a cold sore and performs oral sex, this can spread HSV-1 to the genitals — and cause herpes sores on the genitals.

What are the symptoms of Herpes in men?

Herpes symptoms can be observed in stages, initially during incubation period of herpes that is  during the  1-2 weeks of infection after the exposure the virus multiplies itself inside the cell until it causes an outbreak

So initially Herpes indicate the following signs

• Fever & flu-like symptoms
• Nausea or feeling sick
• Muscle aches
• Painful urination

After the outbreak, it can be noticed that the burning/itching sensation in the area where blisters will appear followed by sore of herpes appearing inside or on the penis, scrotum, thighs groin and area around the anus.

Also read : False positive STD test results and why is it very, very bad ?

Herpes symptoms in women

As we are aware that Herpes is caused because herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be transfered to other person merely by coming in contact with the genital area especially while having sex. Its symptoms in women are as follows

• Blister / painful Ulcer inside labia /near genital area/thighs /groin /around anus
• itching or burning sensation
• Initial symptoms may include
  • Fever
  • Body ache
  • swollen lymph nodes

What can happen if the Herpes goes untreated ?

If left untreated for long, Herpes could be extremely fatal and can be life threatening leading to can to the brain and cause meningitis(in case of HSV1).

If the immunity is weak, it can lead to death as it can penetrate the meninges and reach the brain to cause viral meningitis.

Neonatal Herpes, the newborn is supposed to be treated with the right medication or else it might pass away.

How is Herpes diagnosis in men ?

For HSV2 screening usually a blood sample is taken in  testing labs.

During examination, your Heath care provider can take samples of your cells (skin) or from a sore