Tag Archives: genital herpes

sex and relationship, Sex Health

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that can be contracted by any sexually active person. A lot of individuals affected with the virus show no symptoms. Even without showing any symptoms or signs of illness, herpes can still be transmitted to sexual partners. Herpetic sores occur as a result of genital herpes and one of the features of herpetic sore is painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) which can break and discharge fluid

Herpes viruses are of two types and they are responsible for the causes of genital herpes. The viruses are referred to as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

In some parts of the world such as the United States, genital herpes is common and it affects more than one in six people that lie between the ages of 14 and 49.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

You can contract genital herpes by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with a person suffering from it.

If you don’t suffer from herpes, you may become infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in:

  • A herpes sore;
  • Saliva (if your partner has oral herpes infection) or genital secretion (if your partner has genital herpes infection);
  • Skin in your mouth if your partner has oral herpes infection or skin in the genital area if your partner has a genital herpes infection.

It is possible for you to get herpes from a sexual partner that does not have a visible sore or those that does not know they have been infected with the virus. It is also possible to contract genital herpes if you have oral sex with a sexual partner suffering from oral herpes.

Getting infected with herpes from places such as the toilet seats, bedding or swimming pools, or touching of objects surrounding you, such as silverware, soap or towels is not common. In the event that you have any additional questions on how herpes spreads, meeting and discussing your doctor should be put into consideration.

How to reduce your chance of getting infected with genital herpes?

One of the best ways to avoid been infected with STDs is to avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex.

In the event that you are sexually active, you can do the following to reduce your chances of getting genital herpes:

  • getting involved in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner that has not been infected with STD (for example, a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results);
  • Make use of latex condom properly each time you are having sex.

How to diagnose genital herpes

Conducting a visual examination of the herpes sore by your doctor is the ways to diagnose herpes. Although not always necessary, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis by laboratory tests.

Performing a blood test in the laboratory can be used to diagnose herpes simplex virus before you encounter an epidemic. Check with your doctor if you think you have been exposed to genital herpes, even if you have no symptoms.

How to treat genital herpes?

Treatment can reduce the epidemic but cannot cure you of the herpes simplex virus.

Medications

Antiviral drugs can help you quickly cure wounds and reduce pain. You can take medications at the first sign of an epidemic (tingling, itching and other symptoms) in order to reduce the symptoms. People who experience epidemics may also be prescribed drugs to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks.

Home care

In order to treat herpes using homegrown methods, make use of a mild cleaning agent when bathing or showering in warm water. Keep the infected area clean and dry. Wear removed cotton clothing to make the area comfortable.

Herpes may not be dangerous like HIV, but it will still make you uncomfortable and it will affect your life seriously. You may not be able to avoid it 100% but you may try your best to lower the risk with just a little effort.

sex and relationship, Sex Health

Vulvodynia – Causes and Treatment

Vulvodynia is a rare disease that is still being researched by many experts. The burning sensation and pain in the vagina can be clear signs of vulvodynia.

Vulvodynia is actually a very long-lasting feeling of discomfort in the vagina, which is usually accompanied by pain, burning sensation and itching. Of course, the intensity of pain and the symptoms is different in each woman; the feeling of strong burning sensation is the most common symptom of all. Besides the intensity, the pain is different in its duration and location in each woman. The occurrence of vulvodynia can certainly affect a woman’s sex life, but it can also affect her everyday life. Vulvodynia has not been researched very well so far because it occurs very rarely. This is also the reason why there is no medication on the market that is specialized in treating vulvodynia.

The reasons for appearance of vulvodynia are not yet well researched, but experts that work in this field are convinced that vulvodynia is caused by a variety of diseases and injuries of the vagina and the consequences of those injuries/diseases. A very common cause is irritation of the outer parts of the genitalia, allergy, yeast infection or muscle spasms. In rare cases vulvodynia can be caused by the presence of oxalate crystals in the urine. So far there is no evidence that this disease can be transmitted (it is not a STD), although this option is still opened because as we have mentioned before vulvodynia is still not researched very well. There are few signs that can point to vulvodynia like red and swollen skin of the vagina. In order to confirm the presence of vulvodynia, the gynecologist must remove fungal diseases, bacterial infections and genital herpes from the list of possible causes. Only after these medical conditions are excluded, the gynecologist can suspect vulvodynia presence.

Treating vulvodynia is not easy because there is no specialized medication on the market that deals with it. There aren’t any separate therapies for this disease either. Some doctors suggest taking standard measures in cases of similar infections. For example, using special soap, wearing underwear made of pure cotton and using lubricants based on water. In order to ease the pain, women can use cooling gel. Some pills can also be helpful in these cases but they should be taken only with prescription. According to some experts vulvodynia can be treated with a surgery too. Women suffering from vulvodynia should undergo surgery only after all other methods are exhausted and they didn’t provide any positive effects.

There are also few measures that every women can take in order to prevent appearance of this rare and very unpleasant disease. For example, using underwear that doesn’t irritate the skin is always a good idea. Although underwear made of synthetic materials might look more appealing, cotton underwear keeps the hygiene on a higher level and it doesn’t irritate the skin. Take care of your vagina by having occasional baths with some herbs that can improve your sexual health like chamomile. You can also use a soap with neutral pH value and remember that you should never use the soap inside your vagina.