Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by HSV (herpes simplex viruses). HSV type 2 (HSV-1) is the usual cause of genital herpes. Although, in some cases HSV type 1 (HSV-2) is also found responsible for this disease. Usually HSV-2 is responsible for oral herpes (herpes sores on the lips and in the mouth).

Many people have heard about the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). But very few people know what causes it. There are several kinds of herpes strains. We will talk about the Genital herpes in this article.

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2) is also known as genital herpes because it affects the genital area. Common areas of infection are the cervix, labia, vagina, inner thighs, and anus of female and the shaft of the penis, scrotum, inner thighs and anus for men. As per the recent research approximately 86 million people worldwide are affected by this disease. The main cause of transmission of genital herpes is through sexual contact.

Getting Diagnosed

Think you have genital herpes? See your doctor for testing and treatment right away. Doctors can diagnose genital herpes by looking at visible sores or by taking a sample from the sore for testing in a lab. Blood tests can also be done to detect HSV-1 or HSV-2.Follow your doctor's advice and finish all the medicine that you are given. It is very important to finish all the medicine even if the symptoms go away.

If you are not affected with genital herpes then abstinence from sex is the surest way to avoid getting genital herpes. The next way is to limit sex to one uninfected partner who only has sex with you. If you have a partner with genital herpes, do not have sex" ?even with a condom" ? when he or she is affected with an outbreak.

Cure and Precautions

Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease; the virus will always be in the infected body. Certain drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can decrease the outbreaks, or stop them from happening. Your doctor can give you proper advice/medicine to cure the outbreaks and stop them from affecting you in future.

Always follow the following steps to stop frequent outcomes of the virus and to stop the transmission to another person.

1. Do not touch the sores with hands or with a cloth, in severe conditions one can use cotton, which can be thrown after use.

2. Wash hands after contact.

3. Clean the infected area and keep it dry.

4. Avoid sexual contact until the herpes are healed.

5. Avoid having any sexual activity while you have any symptoms of an outbreak. Be sure to tell your sexual partners, so they can also be tested. Genital herpes is a life long virus, which cannot be cured, get advice from your doctor in order to prevent the outbreak to happen and to prevent spreading of disease to any other person.

During an outbreak, there are different ways to relieve pain.

- Take warm bath. After bathing, carefully dry affected areas gently with cotton.

- Wear loose cotton clothes.

- Keep the area dry.

- Hold ice packs to the sores a few minutes, several times.

- Take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or doctors prescribed medicine to relieve pain and fever.

It is very important for a pregnant woman that the outbreak of the herpes should be treated before giving birth. If the mother is affected by genital herpes while she is pregnant, she is more likely to pass the virus to her baby. If the outbreak is not the first one, the baby's risk of getting the virus is very low. Babies born with herpes may be premature or may die, or they may have brain damage, severe rashes, or eye problems. Doctors may do a C-section to deliver a baby if the mother has herpes lesions near the birth canal to help prevent passing the virus. Also, acyclovir can help babies born with herpes if they are treated right away. It is not yet known if all genital herpes drugs are safe for pregnant women to take. Herpes is spread through contact with sores and can be dangerous to a newborn while breast-feeding if the sores are on sores on your nipple or areola. Breast-feeding should be stopped until the sores are healed.