HERPES.
The Sexually Transmitted Disease, or STD, Herpes is very common in most Americans. Herpes can also be transmitted through sexual contact and other physical direct skin contact. Experts say that 60 million Americans both men and women have the herpes virus that causes the genital form of herpes. 500,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. There are more than 80 known forms of the herpes virus, but only eight can cause disease in humans. Today Im going to tell you what herpes is, signs of the disease, what happens if untreated and how to protect your self against it.
(Before you can protect yourself against this disease you must first know what it is.).
Everybody has heard of Genital Herpes but very few understand what the STD actually is, what it looks like and how it is acquired. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes Genital Herpes. There are two types of HSV and it is important to know the difference between the two. The first type affects our lips and causes sores known as fever blisters or cold sores, which are common. The second type effects the genitals, hence the name Genital Herpes. Both types can easily infect the mouth during oral sex. Genital Herpes is a very easily passed from one infected person to an uninfected person during intercourse. (www.Herpes.com).
(Now that you know what the symptoms are?).
Both types of HSV can produce sores. They may appear in and around the vaginal area, on the penis and around the anal opening or thighs and buttocks. Sometimes sores appear on other parts of the body where the virus had entered through broken skin. The sores are extremely painful and cause irritation for the infected person. Genital Herpes may also affect the infected persons sex life.( Hales, Dianne. An Invitation to Health Brief Second Edition. Wadsworth: Learning Center, Australia, 2002 pg# 21-23) .
Unfortunately most people never have any symptoms even though they have Genital herpes.