Herpes simplex virus is a sexually transmitted disease that is common in the United States and other countries. While doctors can treat symptoms, relieve pain, and slow the likelihood of spreading the infection, there is no cure. Failure to treat genital herpes can lead to the spread of the disease, to the baby during delivery, inflammation of the bladder, and rectum, and, in several cases, meningitis. You can find out if you have herpes by checking for high-risk behaviors, recognizing symptoms, and getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

High-Risk Factors

Be aware that many people with genital herpes don’t notice symptoms for a long time. Use high-risk behaviors to see if you need testing so you can suppress symptoms early and avoid spreading the infection.

Assess whether you have had unsafe sex recently. Sexual activity is most likely to expose you to HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus). However, even safe sex can spread herpes, especially during an outbreak.

Find out if you have had multiple sexual partners recently. Herpes can occur through oral contact as well as genital contact.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 herpes viruses are considered genital herpes, but HSV-1 is more commonly contracted through contact with the lips and mouth. HSV-2 is primarily through genital contact, but HSV-1 can be exposed and spread through oral sex.

If you are a woman, increase your alertness. Genital herpes most commonly transfers from men to women.

• In the United States, one in five women has genital herpes, and one in nine men is exposed to the disease.

Herpes Symptoms

Start looking for symptoms two weeks after exposure to this STD. The first attack may take a while but is usually more serious than subsequent attacks.

After sexual contact, watch for red spots and itching around the genitals and mouth.

Look for blisters on or around the genitals. The blisters will be filled with yellowish fluid and can turn into ulcers if they burst.

• In women, blisters can appear on the labia, vagina, anus, cervix, buttocks, and thighs. Ulcers usually heal within 7-14 days.
• In men, blisters typically appear on the scrotum, penis, buttocks, and thighs.

Look for blisters on the lips, mouth, eyes, tongue, and other parts of the body. Before the blisters appear, you may feel a tingling sensation in those areas.

Noticed the problem of painful urination. During an attack, urinating can be very painful. In some cases, a woman is unable to empty her bladder and needs to seek medical help with urination.

If you’re a woman, keep an eye on your vaginal discharge.

Recognize common flu symptoms, which are also systemic symptoms of infection. For example, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and weakness are all signs of infection.

Know that most attacks occur during periods of menstruation, stress, illness, and vulnerability. If you experience your first attack, seek medical help.

Doctor’s Diagnosis

Book an STD test with your local clinic or your GP.

Be prepared for blood tests. This test may not determine the type of HSV you were exposed to, but it can determine whether you have had an attack, even if you don’t have blisters or systemic reactions now.

See your doctor when you have an attack. Doctors can take cells from the public to test for the HSV virus.

If you need to know if you have been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2, a DNA test is available. This test can use blood, spinal fluid, or tissue near the ulcer.

If your test is positive, then medication for the herpes virus is prescribed. Prescription medications can help suppress the virus and its symptoms. It also reduces the risk of spreading the herpes simplex virus to others.