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What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is one of the most commonly occurring STDs. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. There are two variations of the virus, type 1 which is the culprit behind the cold sores you might see people sporting on their lips and type 2 which is most commonly responsible for genital herpes. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes but it’s a less likely occurrence than HSV-2.

Genital Herpes is more common than what people thinks: at least 45 million people ages 12 and older in the US have herpes.

Generally a person can get infected with the virus through sexual contact. This can be vaginal, anal or oral sex. When a person is infected they may not realize it for the first few weeks.

Genital Herpes Signs and Symptoms

A person can go several weeks after contracting genital herpes with no signs or symptoms at all and when signs do occur are called an Herpes Outbreak.

When a person has an outbreak, which means that the blisters are present, they are more likely to transmit the disease. That doesn’t mean that someone who is infected with genital herpes and doesn’t have blisters is safe. They’re not. Safe sex practices do need to be followed regardless of the presence of blisters.

Some surprising facts about genital herpes that many people aren’t aware of include:

* Approximately 1 million people are infected with genital herpes each year.
* 1 in 5 people are infected with genital herpes in the US alone.
* Up to 90% of people who are infected with genital herpes aren’t aware of it.

There is no cure for Genital Herpes. The only treatment currently available for genital herpes is antiviral medication such as valtrex or famvir. The safest way to prevent genital herpes from transmitting is to practice safe sex.

To find out more about Genital Herpes and HSV-1 or 2 please click on any section below.