Herpes Symptoms - Why You Should Know What They Are

Herpes can often hide from you even if you have contracted it. There are thousands of people walking around that have no idea that they carry the Herpes Virus, even if they a few signs of herpes. This is because often there are no signs, and at times the signs are so minor that the person may think that it is something else.

Some early symptoms of Herpes include an uncomfortable feeling or itchiness in the vaginal or scrotum area, this could be accompanied by pain, rash, or blisters which usually come out on the genitals and at times even the rectum. It can even spread to your thighs and buttocks area. In worst cases it can spread into your urinary tract, or inside on the vaginal walls. The herpes signs and symptoms often appear usually within two weeks of contact with the disease.

A Herpes outbreak can incude many sores, or it can be just a single sore. A reddening of the vaginal or groin area or an unexpected severe dryness of the vaginal area, vaginal discharge, difficulty urinating, swollen glands, fever, or headache can all be signs of herpes. With all of the different herpes symptoms listed it is no wonder that people often think they have another illness or a bug bite instead of an STD.

You can still infect a partner even if there are no visible sores. When you visit a doctor a visual exam can tell if you have herpes if an outbreak is present. Blood tests or viral cultures will detect the herpes virus as well, sometimes the test can be unclear or wrong.

There are two types of the Herpes Simplex Virus that may cause genital herpes: Hepes Simplex Virus-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus-2. Herpes Simplex Virus-1 can be a sign of having any form of herpes, as well as cold sores on the mouth. This is not an automatic diagnosis of genital herpes. Herpes Simplex Virus-2 is the one most often connected to genital herpes; this is the most dependable indication of the Herpes Virus.

The first outbreak is usually the worst, and if you have reoccurring outbreaks they are milder and do not last as long. As of yet there is no cure for herpes. The symptoms can be treated to a degree with prescribed medications. Many people affected by herpes say that a holistic approach is the best way to fight outbreaks.

Supporting your immune system is especially important, because if weakened it makes you more susceptible to outbreaks. Taking care of your self should include a good diet of healthy foods, exercise, vitamins, and any medication your doctor orders.

There is continuing research to develop a herpes vaccine. Antiviral drugs used to suppress herpes outbreaks are often used in treatment plans. This will not however halt the spread of the disease. The best thing to do if you are sexually active is to let your partner know of your disease and use protection. If your symptoms have come about since you have been seeing your partner this partner as well as past partners should be notified and checked for the disease.

Below I have included some personal stories of a few people that have herpes:
 
(Female, age 44) I am the unfotunate on to have had herpes for about 22 years now. I've had many partners through the years, as far as I now nobody has contracted the disease from me.I married my husband eight years ago, and he has not been infected. To those of you who feel like life is over because of herpes, DON`T. Your life should go on as it always has; normally, just be cautious, and always be honest with your partners. If it is a person who you feel deeply about, you need to know what their feelings about it are. If it doesn't work out then it was no loss to begin with. I went years without having outbreaks, and now I am having major outbreaks again. I don't know why it has come back, I have been watching what I eat and checking into taking some vitamins and herbs. I will also go to my Doctor to ask about Valtrex. Certain foods you shouldn't eat in my experience are: popcorn, nuts, chocolate, corn, red wine, rice, and only eat natural cheeses. 
  
(Female, age 20) Before I found the man that became my husband. I had been quite promiscuous. I was sexually active since I was 15. I was fortunate not to have caught any disease or gotten pregnant. All of those years having sex using no form of protection, and I had not contracted anything. I found my future husband when I was 18. We decided to marry within six months. I became pregnant about one month after we were married. We never cheated on each other.

Six months into my pregnancy, I began to experience pain when I peed, I didn`t want to pee, because it burned really bad each time. Since I am allergic to anything that has a scent; I thought I had possibly used something that I was allergic to. When I could not pee for 2 days, I figured it was time to my OBGYN. The doctor gave me a test. I let him know I did not have any idea what caused this problem. My husband was with me, and the doctor noticed a cold sore on his mouth.

The doctor said he believed it was herpes. I didn't know that herpes could be contracted in that way. I believed that oral sex was safe. It was a lack of good information about the way that STDs can be passed around that was my downfall. There is a happy ending; I was given Valtrex by my doctor for 14 days. It was prescribed again a week before I was to go into labor. So my little girl was not affected. My husband still does not have genital herpes; I have not had another outbreak!
 
(Male, age 32)I think everybody needs to understand that all you've got is a cold sore. If it was on your face you would not be having the feelings that you do now about it. Many people have it, and it's considered a minor skin condition. There are many viruses that can get into the body. Herpes does not mean you're dammed.

YOUR NOT, there are so many people walking around that don't even know they have it. There are fewer outbreaks as your life goes on. There are anti viral drugs you can take if outbreaks become a problem. To me it's an itch in an embarrassing place that's all. Obviously if you have an active outbreak avoids sex. When the outbreak is gone and you are all healed up, Go out and have fun!
 
The stories may be a bit different, but one thing they each have in common, is that life goes on and so will you.