What is Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection which most frequently affects the genital area. Since it is transmitted through sexual contacts the majority of infected people are sexually active adults. Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) but in some cases it can be also caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) which usually affects the face and mouth. The amount of population infected with HSV-2 greatly varies from country to country but according to some researches it is most widespread in Africa and South America. According to some estimations about one third of world's population is infected with HSV-2, while about 60% of infected people are suffering from reoccurrence of genital herpes symptoms.

Since genital herpes is transmitted through sexual contact people with more sexual partners are in greater risk of becoming infected with HSV-2 although it sometimes takes just one. About 50% of people are infected by a person who does not have any symptoms of being infected with HSV-2 or does not even know they are infected, while in about 20% of infected people genital herpes symptoms never occur. However, even if not having any symptoms of genital herpes one can still infect other people with HSV-2.

Genital herpes is one of most widespread sexually transmitted diseases and is characterized by clusters of inflamed blisters on the outer genital area. The incubation period of genital herpes is about 7 days, while the majority of infected people suffer from reoccurrence of itchy, painful or burning blisters. Since there is no cure for HSV-2 the virus can reactivate anytime. The reactivation of the virus and reoccurrence of genital herpes blisters are usually triggered by one or several factors: fever, stress, menstruation, sun exposure, and various diseases and illnesses which weaken the immune system. Besides the upsetting and disturbing blisters or sores on the outer genital area HPV-2 infection may also cause other health problems affecting central nervous system and the skin but it is especially dangerous for pregnant women and can seriously jeopardize both pregnant woman and the fetus.

What is Genital Herpes

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