Genital Herpes
What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is considered a relatively common STD (sexually transmitted disease) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is most commonly spread through sexual activity. Some common genital herpes symptoms include pain, sores, or itching around the genital area
How Common Is Genital Herpes for Men?
Many people want to know, ‘how common is genital herpes?’ Mostly they ask this question after they think they might have been in contact with someone who has it, or might have it.
How many Americans have genital herpes? About one in every six adults between the ages of 14 and 49 have signs of genital herpes. Also, when talking about how many people have it, it’s important to understand women are more susceptible to getting genital herpes than men.
How Does Genital Herpes Spread?
As with any other sexually transmitted disease, when one asks how is genital herpes spreads, the most direct answer is through sexual activity. However, the risk of spreading this STD is highest during an outbreak.
Is It Contagious?
Yes, genital herpes is contagious. How contagious is genital herpes? During a time when there isn’t an outbreak, it is a lot lower than when a person is experiencing an active outbreak or flare up of symptoms.
It’s best to consult a doctor if you feel you may have genital herpes or any STD and cease sexual activity until you know for certain.
Testosterone can also impact mood and low or deficient levels could lead to mood challenges.
There are two different types of testosterone. Free testosterone and total testosterone. Free means it’s not bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the bloodstream.
What Does Male Genital Herpes Look Like?
Remember, consult a doctor if you suspect you may have genital herpes. But what are symptoms of genital herpes in men? They will generally appear like a cluster of blisters filled with fluid.
There is a test for genital herpes for both men and women. Taking a genital herpes test is non-invasive and generally not painful. The most effective way to test for it is with a PCR test, which looks at the virus’s DNA structure. The doctor will extract fluid from the genital sore to obtain this sample.
Signs & Symptoms
How long does it take for genital herpes to show up? Typically between 2 and 20 days after exposure. The most common signs and symptoms of genital herpes include small blisters on the affected area that are filled with fluid. Itching and irritation are also common secondary symptoms.
What does genital herpes look like? You can consult a doctor who can show pictures or see some online. For men, it isn’t a pretty picture during an outbreak. It isn’t really that important to know what do genital herpes look like, though, but rather how to avoid it or, if you suspect you may have genital herpes, to connect with a qualified doctor as soon as possible for treatment.
How Long Do Genital Herpes Symptoms Last?
The symptoms may last 4 to 7 days, on average. However, how long do genital herpes last? There is no cure for this STD, so it is going to be the rest of your life. That is why it’s so important to consult a qualified, licensed, and experienced doctor.
Testing for Genital Herpes
As noted, testing is generally straightforward as the doctor will take a sample of the fluid from one of the genital blisters. Even after being diagnosed, some people will continue to ask the same questions, such as how long does genital herpes last and how many people have genital herpes.
They often repeat these questions as they work through their emotions to reach some level of acceptance. While you may not know how to get rid of genital herpes (meaning you will deal with this the rest of your life), it is possible to live a relatively normal life, with precautions and awareness.
When someone asks, ‘How do you get genital herpes,’ the most common answer is through sexual activity, and that means you will need to be honest with present and future sexual partners.
Does this mean you can’t have sex without a condom anymore? No, but understand there are several factors to consider to keep your partner(s) safer, such as abstaining from sexual genital contact during outbreaks. How long does a genital herpes outbreak last? Again, it could vary, but typically 4-7 days.
How to Treat Genital Herpes
What causes genital herpes is a virus. How is genital herpes transmitted? Through sexual contact while symptomatic. Similar to how a person spreads the flu or other virus, you are most contagious when symptoms are present. Knowing how genital herpes is spread is the first step to limiting the risk of spreading it to other partners.
When you want to know how to live with genital herpes, it begins by consulting a doctor and beginning treatment options.
First and foremost, use protection during sexual activity, even when asymptomatic. Second, your doctor will discuss what causes genital herpes, the key symptoms of genital herpes to look out for, and a primary genital herpes treatment that is suited for your body and lifestyle.
There is genital herpes natural treatment options using supplements. Proper nutrients can help your body fight back against the virus when an outbreak occurs, but this should be discussed with an experienced doctor first.
Genital Herpes Medications
As for treatment for genital herpes, whether you choose a natural treatment for genital herpes, a genital herpes treatment cream, prescription genital herpes medication, over-the-counter genital herpes medication, or you and your doctor choose a different course, there are options available.
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
When it comes to what medication is used for genital herpes, there are several. One is Acyclovir. This is an antiviral medication for genital herpes. It isn’t intended to cure this virus, but can slow the spread in the body, which can lessen the symptoms.
The right Acyclovir dosage for genital herpes will depend on what your doctor has advised or prescribed. It is an effective genital herpes antiviral medicine, though. Also known as Zovirax, for genital herpes, it can help temper symptoms.
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Valacyclovir for genital herpes is another antiviral medication that works in much the same way as Acyclovir. Valacyclovir is also called Valtrex (the name brand). Again, the Valtrex dosage for genital herpes should be determined by the doctor you consult.
How Craft Medical Can Help Someone with Genital Herpes
One of the most important things when facing this challenge in life, whether you want a herpes treatment over-the-counter or a different male genital herpes treatment is to consult a doctor.
Craft Medical specializes in helping men connect with doctors who understand these gender-specific challenges. A natural treatment for genital herpes may be possible, but be sure to speak to a doctor first. Craft Medical will connect you with the right doctor for you… today.
