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Genital Herpes is a common, sexually transmitted viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This virus also causes Lip Herpes, commonly known as cold sores, which need not be sexually acquired. Genital Herpes manifests as painful fluid-filled blisters on the genitalia and/or anal region. The rash generally appears 4-7 days after the unprotected sexual act. However a lot of patients do not develop any rashes and the disease only manifests several years later. Many others will continue to shed the virus in their semen or vaginal fluid, even when they do not have any visible rashes.

The first episode is usually the most painful and the most prolonged. The rashes may even be itchy and you may run a fever. The subsequent episodes are not as severe and are usually short lived. There is no way to predict when you could have the next episode. If you suffer from more than six episodes in a year, you may require long-term antiviral suppressive therapy.

The diagnosis is generally made by clinical examination alone. However a blood test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. This test is now part of the standard testing that all pregnant women undergo. This is because a mother could pass on the virus to her newborn during a normal (vaginal) delivery.

If this is your first episode of Genital Herpes, then your dermatologist will prescribe you anti-viral medication. The medication does not cure the ailment or completely eliminate the virus. However it does hasten recovery, and reduce the frequency the recurrences. The main difficulty with genital herpes is the fact that there is no vaccine, there is no cure, the test will remain positive throughout your life, and you could continue to shed the virus even when there are no evident genital rashes. Prevention is key here.