Search for Free 150,000+ Essays

Find more results for this search now!
CLICK the BUTTON to the RIGHT!

Need a Brand New Custom Essay Now?  click here

Genital Herpes

Uploaded by mumsa1 on Dec 28, 2011

Genital herpes can be a chronic (long term) condition and can affect both men and women.

In this article:

What is genital herpes?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
How Chemist Online can help
Advice & Support

What is Herpes?
Genital herpes is a common and contagious sexually transmitted infection. You can still be infected with the genital herpes virus even though you do not have any visible symptoms.

The genital herpes virus enters the body through the vagina, rectum, urethra and mouth.

Symptoms
Symptoms of genital herpes include:

Fluid-filled blisters on the genitals and around the anus area which can become painful and sore after bursting and becoming ulcerous
Itching and sometimes a stinging sensation in the genital area and around the rectum
Pain when urinating
Fever (and sometimes fatigue)
A feeling of being run down and unwell
Headaches
Swollen glands
Muscular pain
Lower back pain
Vaginal discharge

Causes
Herpes is caused by the contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus spreads from one person to another through close skin-on-skin contact – usually sexual contact which can be vaginal, anal or oral sex. Genital herpes can also be passed on through the sharing of sex toys.

Diagnosis
If you are suffering from the aforementioned symptoms, or if you have had sexual intercourse with someone who you suspect may have the genital herpes (or even the genital herpes simplex virus which may be lying dormant) it is important to make an appointment to see your GP immediately. Alternatively, you can also go to your local Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic or Family Planning Clinic for tests. Your visit can be confidential if you wish, and you may not have to give your real name.

After taking your medical history and asking you some questions about your symptoms, your GP will make a further assessment by carrying out a general examination of your affected area(s). Tests which may be used in order to establish a confirmed diagnosis can include a swab of your infected area(s) and/or a blood test.

Note: As we have seen, it is possible to have genital herpes without experiencing any symptoms. This is why it is very important that your partner (and previous partners) also arranges to see their GP or to go to their local Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic or Family Planning Clinic for tests.

Treatment
Treatment for genital herpes is generally a course of prescribed antiviral tablets.

The best way to avoid catching genital herpes is to take preventive measures. Always use condoms for sex and try to limit your number of sexual partners. Also, remember...

Sign In Now to Read Entire Essay

Not a Member?   Create Your FREE Account »

Comments / Reviews

read full essay >>

Already a Member?   Login Now >

This essay and THOUSANDS of
other essays are FREE at eCheat.

Uploaded by:   mumsa1

Date:   12/28/2011

Category:   Social Issues

Length:   3 pages (581 words)

Views:   2865

Report this Essay Save Essay
Professionally written essays on this topic:

Genital Herpes

  • Genital Herpes Instruction Plan

    currently three drugs recommended for the treatment of herpes (Roe, 2004). Patients need to be reassured on several counts. They...

  • Herpes Simplex

    This paper distinguishes between HSV-1 and HSV-2then discusses the problems involved in treating the diseases. There are four sour...

  • Questions and Answers about Biology

    operations. This is not an uncommon problem, although it is one that can have a lifelong effect on a patient. When a baby is bor...

  • STDs and VD

    In five pages this paper discusses venereal disease and other types of sexually transmitted diseases including genital herpes, Hep...

  • An Overview of Herpes

    The herpes virus is discussed in depth. Many facts are relayed about this disease. This five page paper has nine sources listed i...

  • Herpes Simplex and Latency

    In fifteen pages this paper discusses the reasons behind Herpes simplex molecular latency and reactivation and the implications re...

  • HSV1 and Molecular Aspects of Latency

    In fifteen pages this KS-HSV.wps sequel discusses latency molecular aspects including possible action mechanisms, gene function, g...

  • A look at the Herpes Viruses

    subfamily have longer reproductive cycles and a more narrow host range. In this group, infected "cells often become enlarged. Lat...

  • Overview of Infibulation

    In seven pages this paper defines infibulation and considers the causes and effects of genital mutilation in females. Twelve sour...

  • Questions about the African Continent

    5 pages and 2 sources. This paper relates the answers to some specific questions about the African contintent, including the infl...

View more professionally written essays on this topic »