Herpes is the title of a group of viruses that can cause quite painful blisters and sores. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and is a sexually transmitted disease. This infection is normally spread by sex, but it can also be spread by oral sex, the reason being skin to skin contact. Unfortunately, recurrence of genital herpes is the norm rather than the exception. It is now estimated that more than 75% of all genital herpes is transmitted when there are no lesions and no symptoms present. The cold sore virus is another strain of herpes and is not associated with sexually transmitted disease; ocular herpes is not an STD.

Some symptoms are:

•Swollen lymph glands
•Headaches
•Blisters
•Itching
•Burning

Even after the active infection has gone and there is no remaining obvious infection, the Herpes infection has been known to reappear. Although it is quite rare, women in pregnancy can pass this infection on to their baby during or post child birth.

The type 2 herpes virus is the cause of the majority of genital herpes cases. Infections of the genitalia are normally caused by type 2 but may on occasion be due to type 1, especially in children. Another sort of herpes virus, Herpes (or varicella) zoster, can cause chicken pox and also shingles.

Before opting for a treatment for genital herpes, a health care provider has quite a few issues to think about. Treatment for the herpes virus will depend on the strain and stage of the virus. Some treatment with antiviral drugs can aid people who are cursed with genital herpes outbreaks remain symptom-free for a longer time. There is no known treatment that can cure genital herpes; the virus will always be present in your body. Herpes cannot be cured, however, there is some medication available today which can shorten the duration and severity of outbreaks.