Genital Herpes

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection. It shows up as painful blisters that can burst and ooze fluid. Genital herpes is quite common and affects over one-tenth of the world’s population aged 15 to 49 years.

Causes of Genital Herpes

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that cause genital herpes. These viruses enter the body through abrasions or lesions in the skin or mucous membranes found in the nose, mouth, and genitals. HSV-1 or HSV-2 can be found in saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Blisters on the penis, scrotum, anus, vagina, or buttocks or blisters on the mouth and the lips, face, and anywhere else that came into contact with areas of infection
Swollen lymph glands as they are fighting infection and inflammation in the body
Headaches, body aches, and fever.
A baby born with herpes may exhibit ulcers on the genitals, face, and body. These babies can develop severe complications such as blindness and brain damage. It can even lead to death.