Female Genital Herpes

Female Genital Herpes is one of the most common and stubborn STD’s and as of now, there is
no cure. Transmission and signs of outbreak vary; prevention tactics and remedies are
numerous. We will attempt to bring to light some of these in the following text.

What is Female Genital Herpes? Known formally as Herpes Simplex II (HSV-II), it is a virus
that finds itself taking up residence in the sacral ganglion at the base of the spine. From there, it
recurs in the genital area in the form of blisters or pimple like pustules. These blisters form
and eventually break scabbing over until fully healed. Breakouts do vary in length of time and
severity usually lasting anywhere from 10-14 days. The first outbreak is commonly the most
painful and longest lasting and subsequent breakouts can happen weeks or months after. The
first breakout usually occurs within 2 weeks of your initial contact with the virus. Breakouts
will appear in women around the vaginal or rectal areas and sometimes will develop in the
uterus. Some people experience flu like symptoms or glandular swelling in more severe cases.
Although there is no cure as of yet, breakouts tend to become less frequent and severe as time
progresses.

It is important to note that although this is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Female
Genital Herpes can be transmitted in other ways besides vaginal or anal intercourse. Herpes
can transmitted through all forms of sexual contact; kissing, oral to genital contact, as well as
“sex toys.” A person can be infected without outward signs i.e., blisters or scabbing on the
already infected partner. Most people dismiss any outward signs as pimples or some other
more common skin afflictions and never know that they in fact transferring the virus to an
unsuspecting partner. HSV-II can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth and if
an outbreak is present the physician may opt for a cesarean birth.

Although there are no cures for HSV-II there are a myriad of prescription, over the counter and
herbal remedies available to shorten outbreaks and quell the pain. A good diet and reduction
of mental stress are two of the best ways to combat breakouts and lessening severity. Many of
these treatment ideas can be found in any number of books or research materials.

Diagnosis of Female Genital Herpes is done most commonly in two ways: Blood Tests or visual
inspection. Your physician can run blood tests for the presence of antibodies related to the
HSV-II Virus confirming infection. The outward and obvious presence of blisters can also give
a visual confirmation of HSV-II infection.

Genital ulcers can be found in both men and women, but transmission can be lowered with use
of latex condoms. The virus remember, can be transmitted by a partner that does not have any
outward signs and any infected person showing outward signs should abstain from sex for at
least one after an outbreak.

We hope we have shed a bit more light on the subject of Female Genital Herpes and encourage
you to investigate further.