Image Credit: WAYHOME studio on Shutterstock
Genital herpes is a common STD (sexually transmitted disease) that shouldn’t be taken lightly. About one out of every six people, aged between 14 to 49, has genital herpes. Genital herpes can be also be written as HSV2 (herpes simplex virus 2).
It is important to know that the herpes simplex virus 2 is not to be mistaken with HPV which is short for Human papillomavirus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection were symptoms create warts around the genital area. 79 million Americans are infected with HPV. These relate mostly to people in their late teens and early 20’s. Both the herpes simplex virus type 2 and HPV can lay dormant in the body but they both have totally different symptoms. To learn more about HPV click here.
If you have herpes type 2, you may notice these symptoms. Bare in mind that you may only suffer some of these symptoms and not all of them. The symptoms of genital herpes are as follows:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Here is a link to herpes symptoms aimed at men.
Having herpes type 2 on your penis is not fun and games. So to reduce the risk of herpes type 2 on your penis you should take extra care when you are engaging in sexual activities, whether it’s sexual intercourse or oral sex. Although it may be embarrassing take extra precautions when engaging with your sexual partner and even consult and ask them whether or not they are infected. Even kissing can spread the herpes virus from person to person (even though HSV1 (which is usually around the mouth, lip and nose area that causes cold sores) can, in turn, lead to HSV2 through oral sex.
You should never have sex if your herpes virus is triggered and until the symptoms and blistering disappear completely. But if you want to engage in sex and want to prevent the likelihood of catching HSV2 then it’s best if you wear a condom. This is common safe sex practice to prevent unwanted pregnancy and from passing on STI’s or STD’s.
The herpes simplex virus is extremely contagious. All it takes is skin to skin contact for the virus to spread and it spreads rapidly. So make sure that you take extra precautions when engaging with sexual partners. Although there are plenty of medical and herbal treatments for the herpes virus, once the person is infected it can never be cured.