Herpes

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).  Herpes Simplex I is the virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes in the vast majority of cases.

How to heal genital herpes or genital herpes treatment.

This is a controversial subject.  Genital herpes has no known cure, nor is there a herpes vaccine.  Many influencers on social media however are pushing claims about healing herpes with unsubstantiated treatments.  There are, however, prescription drugs, over the counter treatments and natural therapies that can help to limit and shorten herpes outbreaks.  Our Qurfural spray is NOT a cure for herpes.  It is however a proven and substantiated treatment to help heal herpes sores faster. While herpes is not curable, it is vital to understand that it can be managed.

How widespread is genital herpes?

You are not alone if you have herpes.  According to CDC estimates, there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections among people aged 14 to 49 in the United States in 2018.  Eleven percent of the world's population is infected with herpes simplex II.  The majority of herpes I and II illnesses do not manifest any outward signs or symptoms. (https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm).  It is estimated that 1 in 8 US individuals have HSV-2, although testing for HSV-2 is not routinely included in STI screenings (https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/screening.htm)

How is genital herpes transmitted?

Herpes can be transmitted from person to person by oral fluids and direct skin-to-skin contact.  Examples are from herpes sore; saliva from a partner who has oral herpes; genital fluids from a partner who has genital herpes; skin in the oral area of a partner who has oral herpes; or skin in the genital area of a partner who has genital herpes. You can potentially contract genital herpes from a sexual partner who has no visible sores.  It is vital to know that herpes can be contracted years before symptoms appear; this includes you. It is possible that your partner was unaware they had the condition until after you two had intercourse. It is also possible that you are carrying the virus and unwittingly gave it to your partner, who is currently having their first outbreak. At this point, pointing fingers is useless; it simply leads to shame.

What is the best way to tell whether I have genital herpes/herpes symptoms?

In short, consult with your doctor and get a tested (https://www.healthline.com/health/herpes-labialis/at-home-herpes-test).  The majority of persons with genital herpes have no idea or very minor symptoms. Mild symptoms may go missed or misdiagnosed as another skin problem, such as a pimple or an ingrown hair. As a result, most people are unaware they have a herpes infection. In patients with weakened immune systems, genital herpes can cause painful genital sores. Herpes sores are typically manifested as one or more blisters on or near the genitals, rectum, or mouth. This is referred to as a "outbreak." Blisters rupture, leaving painful sores that can take up to two weeks to heal.  People who have herpes may have subsequent outbreaks, especially if they have HSV-2. Despite the fact that genital herpes is a life-long illness, the number of outbreaks may or may not diminish over time.

How can I detect an impending breakout of Genital Herpes?

More than fifty percent of patients with herpes breakouts will have moderate symptoms preceding the emergence of blisters. This time, which is characterized by tingling, itching, or pain in the legs or buttocks, is referred to as the "Prodrome."  After multiple outbreaks, many persons gain confidence in recognizing these signs and are able to take medicine during its most beneficial phase.

What can I do to avoid genital herpes?

The only approach to avoid STDs totally is to avoid vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of contracting genital herpes by using protection.

Using condoms correctly each time you have sex.

Keep in mind that not all herpes sores develop in regions that a condom can conceal. Furthermore, the skin can shed the virus from locations where there is no obvious herpes sore. Condoms may not totally protect you against herpes for these reasons.  When your partner has herpes symptoms (i.e., during a "outbreak"), avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.

Is it possible to have sex if I have herpes?

If you have herpes, you should discuss the risk with your sex partner(s). Using condoms may help reduce this risk, but it will not eliminate it entirely. Having herpes blisters or other symptoms increases your chance of spreading the disease. Even if you have no symptoms, you can infect your sexual partners.

What's the connection between genital herpes and HIV?

Herpes infection can result in skin sores. This opens the door for HIV to enter the body. Herpes increases the amount of immune cells in the vaginal lining even when there are no apparent lesions. HIV enters the body by targeting immunological cells. Having HIV with genital herpes increases the risk of HIV transmission to an HIV-negative partner during oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse.