Genital herpes: The Condition
Sexually transmitted infections have earned a bad reputation of the fastest spreading infections in the world. They have also earned a bad name of being one of the most troubling and uncomfortable conditions. All the credit goes to the playmaker – the herpes simplex virus. The virus is highly volatile and has a high transmission rate. The virus when active can cause painful ulcers and blisters on and around the genital areas of the body ripping off the easiness of body. The main mode of transfer of virus is unprotected sexual contact. Sexual activities without undue protection can put you at a great risk of getting infected by the herpes simplex virus.
Genital herpes can be treated using effective treatments such as Famvir and Valtrex. The genital herpes condition is caused majorly by 2 strains of the virus – HSV1 and HSV2. The herpes virus lives forever, transferring from one host to another. The virus cannot be cured but treated to control its multiplication and spread. The virus is most vulnerable in its active state when it can cause outbreak of symptoms such as cold sore, red blisters and ulcers. The treatments can only help to keep the virus in a dormant state to prevent outbreak of painful symptoms. The virus can remain inside a host without showing any symptoms for weeks and in some cases up to years. This weird behaviour of the virus works in the favour of the host. Roughly about 80% of the host will never realize the presence of the virus inside their body throughout their lifetime.
Genital herpes symptoms and treatment
Sexually transmitted diseases can be spread through direct sexual contact, including kissing, touching the genitals or sexual intercourse. Genital herpes is one of the most prevalent STDs experienced by many men and women worldwide.
Genital herpes symptoms can occur several times after the first episode. The first outbreak can become really painful with raw sores in your genitals or other areas in your skin. Certain flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands and fever are also common with herpes. Doctors usually recommend Valtrex for first herpes outbreaks, while Famvir can be helpful for episodic herpes treatment.
Twice a day Valtrex is usually recommended for reducing the severity of a herpes outbreak. This medicine is indicated only for patients with a strong immunological response. It is advisable not to take Valtrex when you have severe kidney conditions or have had bone marrow transplant. The common side effects of valacyclovir include nausea, headache, stomach pain and vomiting.
Famvir is generally recommended for treating recurrent herpes outbreaks. Like Valtrex, this antiviral drug should also be used with safe sex methods to ensure better protection against herpes transmission. You should take Famvir within 6 hours from the onset of genital herpes symptoms. Any further delay may not help you shorten the symptoms.
Many modern experts on STDs recommend ’safer sex’ for better STD management. Safer sex can imply innovative sexual postures which limit direct exposure to genitals. By talking with your partner you can find alternative ways to get cozy with him/her. Remember, abstaining from sex is not the answer to STDs like herpes; make sex in safer ways to win the battle against sexually transmitted infections.