Most adults have heard of genital herpes (GH), but a majority of people don't realize that close to 45 million American adults have (GH). This 45 million or more translates into 1 out of 4 or 5 people, which makes it one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, starting around the mid 1970's the number of Americans with genital herpes infections has increased by a staggering 30%, mostly in young adults and teenagers. (GH) occurs more in women then in men.

How Does Someone Know If They Have Genital Herpes?

Most individuals who have (GH) have very minimal or no signs or symptoms of the disease. The first symptom/or sign usually follows this course:

-Sores that resemble blisters appear on or close to the sex organ.

-The sores open, scab over, and then heal.

-Skin on or near the sex organ becomes inflamed, skin may burn, itch or be painful.

What Are Other Symptoms When The Virus First Attacks?

-Swollen glands

-Fever

-Muscle aches

-Headaches

-Burning when assign urine

In addition, the first outbreak of herpes may last for several weeks. Studies show that after the outbreak the virus retreats to the nervous system, where it remains inactive until something triggers it to become active again. The first sign I noticed was a blister like sore around my sex organ. A symptom that was apparent showed up as a burning sensation during urination. The pain felt like a blow torch down there no kidding!

In most cases another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it is almost always less severe and even shorter than the first episode. The number of outbreaks tends to decrease through the years, but the infection can stay in the body indefinitely.

What Are the Frequency's Of These Outbreaks?

The outbreak someone experiences is dependant on the person. On average, people experience about 4 outbreaks a year.

What Triggers These Outbreaks?

-Stress

-Diet

-Vigorous sex

-Monthly period

-Illness

-Surgery

The biggest trigger for me was stress! It may be different for other people, but going to school full time, working, and taking care of elderly parents brought on those embarrassing outbreaks.

How Are Genital Herpes Diagnosed?

Genital herpes can be diagnosed by taking a physical specimen or by a visual inspection of the sore. The Genital herpes virus can be difficult to diagnose between outbreaks. A doctor can run blood tests or check for ulcers internally on the cervix in women and the urethra in men.

Extensive research has discovered an alternative method that has wiped out future genital herpes outbreaks.