Herpes the most Common STD
By STD Concern
Genital herpes is a very common STI, caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Symptoms will start showing up 4 days after exposure and last up to 4 weeks. Once you’re affected the following outbreaks tend to be milder. With or without symptoms, genital herpes is being spread through unprotected sexual contact.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
This infection is characterized by;
- Painful, blistering sores on the genitals
- Burning, itching and painful discharge from either the penis or vagina
- Painful urination has also been noted.
- Flu-like symptoms have also occurred with genital herpes.
It can also be symptomless.
- In Women lesions will show up on the Vagina including clitoris and other parts of the vulva, anus and buttocks.
- In Men, same lesions but on the Penis head, shaft and other genital regions including thigh and buttocks.
Transmissions
This STD can be transferred with direct contact with the skin surface that is infected. This includes both Intercourse and Oral Sex. Transfer from genital to genital, genital to mouth and mouth (HSV-1/Oral Herpes) to genital. Not a good idea to have sex when someone has a Herpes outbreak including Genital and Oral. Practicing safe sex should be respected at all times.
STD Testing
► Herpes Testing at Lab Near You
► Home Genital Herpes Test
Treatments
There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral drugs are available to help manage the symptoms.
The most popular medications are:
- acyclovir (Zovirax)
- famciclovir (Famvir),
- valacyclovir (Valtrex).
If flair-ups still occur, these pills can lessen the symptoms and their duration too.
Infection Rate
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) the people infected with HSV-2 Genital herpes in the United States is around 16 percent of 14 to 49 year olds. Apparently 80 percent of people infected don’t know they are and with 3 quarters of a million new cases a year this is turning into an uphill battle.
Worldwide cases of Oral Herpes HSV- 1 infection is more than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50, or 67% of the world’s population according to the WHO (World Health Organization).
Conclusion
Herpes have become the most common type of STD in the world. There is no cure and the experts are in no hurry to develop a vaccine. Your best bet to not contract this STD is to use prevention and practice safe sex. Example; If someone has a lesion on their mouth its best not to kiss them or have them perform Oral Sex on you until the breakout is dormant again and so on. Common sense can go a long way when trying to prevent this disease.
Resources
- CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
- WHO - http://www.who.int/news-room/detail/28-10-2015-globally-an-estimated-two-thirds-of-the-population-under-50-are-infected-with-herpes-simplex-virus-type-1
- Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genital_herpes
