Genital Herpes Online Tests

There are two types of Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV Type 1 and HSV Type 2.

HSV 1 causes fever blisters or cold sores around the mouth. It can be transmitted to the genital area during oral sex. HSV 1 is usually transmitted from an infected person through kissing, sharing utensils or sharing toothbrushes. It is the most common form of Herpes Simplex Virus infection.

HSV 2 causes genital herpes which lead to red bumps, blisters or open sores in the genital area, anal or surrounding areas. It can cause itching and pain. The herpes simplex virus Type 2 can be passed from person to person through skin contact while sores are open and healing and sometimes even when there are no visible sores. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes may not produce any symptoms, yet can still be transmitted through sexual contact. Women can pass HSV on to their newborn babies during delivery. 

According to the American Social Health Association and their National Herpes Resource Center, about 50% to 80% of adults in the U.S. have HSV-1 and about 20% have HSV-2. Because symptoms may be mild, 90% of those who have HSV-2 may be unaware that they have been infected.

The initial outbreak of herpes ulcers or blisters is usually the most severe, leaving tender sores that can take as long as four weeks to heal. Subsequent outbreaks can occur anywhere from weeks to months after the first, but fortunately last for a shorter amount of time and are less severe. Generally signs and symptoms decrease in frequency and severity over time, but it is possible for someone to experience their first outward signs years after the herpes infection was contracted. When lesions, sores or other symptoms of herpes are present, the disease is most contagious. Genital Herpes remains in the body indefinitely and can still be spread even if symptoms are not evident.

There are several factors that can cause an outbreak including

• Menstrual periods
• Infections such as HIV/AIDS
• Some medications such as steroids or chemotherapy
• Immune system suppression
• Stress
• Illness or surgery
• Fatigue
• Skin-to-skin friction such as that caused by sexual intercourse

Although symptoms may not be present immediately, herpes usually produces painful blisters or ulcers. However, many people never experience signs or symptoms and may have the disease and not know it. The blisters are usually the most painful and last the longest during the first outbreak.

HSV-1 – Cold sores or fever blisters

• Blisters on the lip and edge of the mouth
• Sore mouth that makes eating, drinking and sleeping uncomfortable
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Drooling in small children

HSV – 2 – Genital herpes

• Painful sores or blisters around the genitals or rectum
• Women may have blisters or ulcers in the vaginal area, buttocks, cervix, anus or external genitals
• Men may have sores on the penis, scrotum, anus, buttocks, thighs or inside the urethra, the channel inside the penis leading to the bladder.
• Outbreaks may cause difficulty urinating or pain during urination
• Sometimes causes discharge from the vagina or penis
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph glands in the groin, headaches and body aches may occur during an outbreak.

Complications from Herpes Simplex Virus

• Newborn infection – mothers who carry HSV and have open sores can spread HSV to their newborn during delivery through the birth canal. Genital herpes may result in brain damage, blindness or death for the newborn.
• Other STD infections – the risk of contracting or transmitting other STDs, including the AIDS virus increase with the presence of genital herpes.
• Urinary bladder retention – HSV can lead to urinary difficulties such as urine retention in women.
• Proctitis – HSV can lead to inflammation of the rectum lining in men, specifically men who have sex with other men.
• Meningitis – rarely, HSV can lead to inflammation of the cerebrospinal fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/genital-herpes/DS00179/DSECTION=symptoms
• http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/genital-herpes-overview-facts
• http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/herpes/glance.html
• http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm