Genital herpes is sexually transmitted diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The disease not only negatively affects health but also reduces the quality of sex life.
Genital herpes in the early stages needs to be detected early to have the right treatment. So what are the early symptoms of genital warts? Are genital herpes and genital warts the same?
What is genital herpes? Symptoms of this sexually transmitted diseases in the early stages
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. HSV infections often present as ulcers, blisters, and pain in the anal area. They usually go away within two to three weeks, but the virus can remain in the body for a lifetime.
Most people with HSV don’t know they have it because genital herpes doesn’t show any symptoms in the early stages.
Genital herpes has 3 stages of development, including:
- Genital herpes early stage: Patients may have mild or no symptoms at all. Early genital herpes usually begins with flu-like symptoms, fever, and headache. In addition, the patient may experience difficulty urinating and pain in the groin area. After a few weeks, the blisters become more obvious, watery blisters on the genitals cause red, itchy bumps. In general, early stages of genital herpes cause a lot of discomfort for the patient. After this period, the above symptoms should disappear within a few weeks.
- Latent stage: At this stage, the symptoms of the disease are gone, but the potential for transmission to others is very high during sex because the herpes simplex virus is still in the body.
- Recurrence stage: The disease can recur at any time. The herpes virus becomes active again when the immune system is weakened, the body lacks vitamins, excessive sunlight and sleep deprivation. At this stage, some symptoms such as redness, tingling and pain in the buttocks, legs and hips.
Incubation period for genital herpes
Causes of genital herpes
The main cause of genital herpes is the HSV virus. There are two types of HSV virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2.
In addition, genital herpes can be transmitted through sexual intercourse: intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. The virus can also be transmitted through semen, vaginal secretions, etc.
Can early stage genital herpes be treated?
Is genital herpes dangerous in the early stages? Or does genital herpes go away on its own? Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although there is currently no cure for genital herpes. However, antiretroviral drugs can prevent or help shorten flare-ups for as long as patients take them. In addition, suppressive therapy such as taking an antiretroviral medication daily to control the herpes virus can reduce the likelihood of infection during sex.
To prevent the first stage of genital herpes from appearing and to ensure safe sex, you should use a condom to reduce the risk of genital herpes infection. The safest way is to have sex with only one long-term partner (one that has been tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and is not infected). You can discuss with your lover or partner to go together for a sexual health check to ensure sexual health for both of you.
Once diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication. In addition, in daily life, you should pay attention to hygiene and take a warm bath, so that the infected area is always dry, as well as wear comfortable cotton clothes to limit friction.
Distinguish between genital warts and genital herpes
Many people confuse genital herpes with genital warts . So what is the difference between these two infectious sexually transmitted diseases? Some different points you can refer to such as:
1. Causes of disease
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), while genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
2. Symptoms of each disease
Genital herpes: The appearance of sores or blisters, or itching or pain soon after infection.
Warts: Usually there are red nodules, raised papillae on the surface of the skin. These nodules may or may not be visible. Genital warts usually appear on the genitals but can also appear in the mouth or throat from oral sex with an infected person. Symptoms may be mild or painless. You may also feel pain and bleeding during sex as well as when you rub it on your skin or clothing.
3. Methods of prevention
An HPV vaccine is also now available for adolescents and adults to reduce the risk of HPV strains associated with various cancers. Song For biological herpes, there is currently no official information about a vaccine to prevent this disease
The common point of these two infectious diseases is that there is no definitive treatment, but only some methods to help reduce symptoms and control the virus temporarily.
Although early genital herpes does not pose a direct danger to life or health, it is difficult to treat and adversely affects the sex life of the infected person. If there are any abnormal signs, you should visit your doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as improve your health and quality of sex life.