Genital herpes is a common infection in the United States.
A minimum of 45 million people aging 12 and more (one of five adolescents and adults) in all countries are suffering from genital herpes simplex virus.
Genital herpes simplex virus-2 infection is common in women more than men.
Approximately 70-80% of the people have facial herpes and only 10% have genital herpes. Rate of genital herpes infection is dropping down in the United States.
However, most of the people do not know that they have this infection. One in four infected people have no symptoms, two in four have mild symptoms and no diagnosis is required, and one in four has severe symptoms that they need to be diagnosed.
Herpes simplex virus-1 causes the genital herpes, but commonly it infects the mouth and lips (fever blisters or cold sores). A person will get this HSV-1 by oral-to-genital contact or genital-to-genital contact with the person who has this HSV-1 infection.
Complications associated with herpes virus
Herpes virus can play a role in the proliferation of HIV virus that causes AIDS. Herpes makes the people vulnerable to the HIV infection and it makes the HIV infected people more infectious.
On the other hand, genital herpes simplex virus leads to fatal infections in babies. If a woman gets contracted with active genital herpes at delivery, cesarean section will be performed to deliver the baby. Transmission of infection from mother to baby is very rare.
Genital herpes causes recurrent genital sores, which are painful. It will be severe if you have suppressed immune system. Genital herpes mainly causes psychological distress if you know that you are infected.
There is an increased risk of infection from HSV-1 (causes infections of the mouth and lips) with vaginal intercourse and having oral sex.
What Can Be Done If Your Partner Has Genital Herpes?
If your partner has herpes infection, then he/she needs your support. The risk of getting infection can be reduced through sexual intercourse by using condoms. You should also avoid having sex during the times when your partner has symptoms of herpes infection.
So, it is necessary to educate yourself about genital herpes if your partner has not explained it. Of course, there will be minimum risk even though you practice safer sex, but you can minimize or reduce the risk by doing so.
Many people are living without knowing themselves that they have genital herpes. According to the experts, 90% of the people in the United States who are infected with genital herpes do not know it.
There is a researchers warn that the herpes virus, which causes cold sores or fever blisters, will become main cause of genital herpes one day. Careful partner selection, use of condoms, avoiding oral sex, etc will help to avoid contracting with genital herpes [genital herpes treatment]. Sex partners should seek testing to know if they got infected with herpes simplex virus.
