Managing Herpes
Get Tested
If you think you may have genital herpes, it is important that you see a doctor for a simple blood test. The test will establish whether you are carrying the herpes simplex 2 virus. Once you have been diagnosed, you can manage your condition more effectively. It is also important to be diagnosed in order to take steps to prevent transmission of the herpes simplex virus to your sexual partners or, more rarely, to members of your family.
There are treatments, but there is no genital herpes cure, which is why management of herpes and your sex life during an outbreak are so important. As well as the uncomfortable symptoms of the condition, there are complications such as herpes in pregnancy and the link between herpes and cervical cancer, which need to be addressed.
Symptoms and Signs of Genital Herpes
It is important to recognize the warning signs of a herpes outbreak. A picture or photo of genital herpes will help you to recognize the signs and symptoms. Women with vaginal or labial herpes should be aware of any or all of the following:
- Vaginal irritation
- Vaginal burning
- Vaginal bump
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching
- Sores around vagina/labia, anus, buttocks or thighs
- Pain in legs buttocks or genital area
- Feeling of pressure in the abdomen
Men with herpes genitals should look for
- Genital bumps
- Genital sores
- Any lump or small, red swelling on the penis
- Itchy penis
- Feeling of pressure in the abdomen
- Sores around penis, anus, buttocks or thighs
- Pain in legs, buttocks, or genital area
Herpes Treatment
At the first sign of an outbreak, usually a tingling feeling or itching in the genital area, or pain in the buttocks or down the leg, there are various herpes medications, which you might be given.
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Famciclovir (Famvir)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex) this has recently been approved by the FDA to help prevent transmission of herpes
- Drugs under development include a herpes vaccine and microbicides.
These will not cure the virus, but might help prevent further incidents.
What Else Can I Do?
The following precautions will also help to prevent further spread and speed healing:
- Stop other infections taking hold by keeping the area clean and dry
- Avoid touching sores as much as possible
- Wash your hands before and after contact with sores.
- Abstain from sexual contact between feeling the first symptoms until the sore has healed completely. Using condoms will help prevention, but are not failsafe as other infected parts of the body may still come into contact with a partner.
- Genital herpes can be transmitted to other parts of the body, so oral sex should be avoided during outbreaks.
Help and Support
There are various places where you can get more information such as herpes support groups and genitourinary clinics. Don't feel isolated; herpes and dating are not mutually exclusive. Some people find herpes personals are a good way to meet partners in a similar position without the risk of infecting more people.
