Female Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus - HSV1 or HSV2. Generally HV1 causes oral herpes, such as cold sores, or any form of herpes above the waist, whereas HSV2 causes genital herpes, or any form of herpes below the waist. Having said that, HSV1 can be the cause of genital herpes if it is spread by oral sex.
The Herpes virus is contagious and can be transmitted by someone who has a HSV2 infection by direct contact of skin, saliva or body fluids. It can be spread even if the infected person has no visible symptoms, but is "shedding" at the time. It is more common in women than in men.
The sufferer usually starts with "prodromal" symptoms. These are basically symptoms that appear before an outbreak occurs. These are typically: tingling, pain and itching and occur 2-3 days before the outbreak of red raised blister-like spots. These burst and then scar and shed themselves. This usually take 10-14 days. Once the spots have 'shed' the virus will lie dormant in the body.
Diagnosis can be given by your doctor, who can usually tell by looking at the blisters. He may need to do a test to confirm the diagnosis and also to tell whether you have an HSV1 or HSV2 infection.
There is no cure for Genital Herpes, the virus lies dormant in the body and flares up if the body's immune system is low. This can happen in times of stress or illness. However, usually as time goes on, the attacks become less frequent and severe, as the body builds up some immunity to it.
Although you may be devastated to discover that you are infected with the virus, there are lots of things that you can do to make your life better and to reduce the occurrence of the attacks. There are various treatments available. There are 3 prescription drugs which are antiviral and can help to reduce the severity and frequency of the attacks. They are: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir and Famciclovir.
There are various alternative health remedies that can be used to treat the symptoms, while at the same time strengthening the body's immune system to prevent future attacks.
Making changes to your diet can also help. The virus doesn't thrive well in a high Lysine, low Arginine environment, so eating a diet that includes foods that will give that balance in the body will help.
Increasing your general health is also very important. There are several things that can help:
- Eat a diet that is rich in fresh, unprocessed foods,
- Exercise regularly
- Get 7-8 hours sleep a night
- Maintain a regular routine
- Spend some time doing activities that you enjoy
- Reduce stress
You need to ensure that you do not spread the virus to others. You can spread the infection even if you do not have any symptoms. If there is any 'shedding' the virus can be transmitted. Also lesions can occur deep in the vagina, where you may not be aware of them. For this reason it is best to always use a condom as this is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you are pregnant, you need to inform your doctor that you carry the Herpes virus. Although you may be worried, it is not common to pass on the virus to you baby. Your doctor can help ensure that you stay in good health to minimise any outbreaks. As long as you contracted the virus before or during the early stags of your pregnancy, your body will have made antibodies against the virus which will be passed on to the baby after 28 weeks. Usually it is possible to have a vaginal birth, but you will need to check this with your doctor.
The main thing with Herpes, is to have a positive outlook, look after your health and do everything possible to reduce attacks and prevent infection to others.
About this Author
Shona is a nurse and very interested in Female Genital Herpes and wasnt to be able to help women with this condition to understand more about it, the treatments available and how to maintain the best health possible as a Herpes sufferer. You can find out more here:
http://www.femalegenitalherpes.biz
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shona_O'Connor
