Genital herpes is presently the most common sexual transmitted infection in the world and it is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The virus is divided into two types: type 1 which causes sores in the upper body area, such as mouth, eyes, face and throat and type 2 which causes primarily genital lesions. Type one can indeed infect the genital area and vice versa. The papules can be extremely painful and they can present themselves in women on the labia, pubis, clitoris, vulva and even the anus and in men, lesions can appear on the glans penis, shaft, buttocks and anus.

The genital lesions usually appear within the first week after sexual exposure to the HSV, but more often than not, the infected person will show no signs or symptoms whatsoever. This can be dangerous because an infected person will think they are in good health and will unknowingly spread the virus. But even if the person knows they have the virus, there isn’t much they can do, except treat the lesions. Almost half of adults in the United States of America have the virus present in their system and unfortunately, there is no cure for this virus. It will stay active in our system and can be spread to another individual even though the carrier never exhibited any symptoms.

With the help of antiviral medicine such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir lesions can be treated, the pain managed and the frequency with which they occur can be reduced. In extreme cases, where a large number or papules are present on the genitals, cauterization may be done to remove them. This process can be a little painful and uncomfortable but if your doctor recommends it, then must be the best solution.

It is absolutely imperative that you get tested as soon as possible. You should know that herpes can be tested for without symptoms. You should get tested at least once a year if your sexual partners change in order to correctly evaluate your health. Wouldn’t you want to know if there is a dormant or active virus in your blood? Don’t you want to get the best treatment to avoid recurrent outbreaks of papules? Do yourself a favor and get tested. If the result is positive, try to get as much information about the virus, how it can be managed and what you can do to make sure it will never become anything more than a mere nuisance.