About Women's Health Issues

Herpes is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus. When the infection affects mouth and face, it is referred as oral herpes. When the infection is restricted to the genital area, it is referred as genital herpes. Although, there are other types of infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, oral herpes and genital herpes are the most common herpes infections.  So, before treating them, it is necessary to confirm that the infection is caused by herpes and that it is not a bacterial or a yeast infection. So, how do you know if you have herpes?

Signs and Symptoms of Herpes

Here are the common signs and symptoms of oral herpes:

1. In oral herpes, even before the infection becomes visible, you might experience pain or itching.
2. Then the infection becomes visible in the form blisters and redness of the skin.
3. You might notice blisters opening up into tiny ulcers against the reddened skin.
4. As the blisters break opens, the fluid inside them ooze out. The area around the infection might start to itch.
5. Other symptoms include fever, headache and muscle pain in rare cases.

Signs and Symptoms of Genital Herpes

The signs and symptoms might be hard to notice at the beginning. It might even take up to a week or two after the infection, for the symptoms to show up.

1. Blisters could appear on the genitalia, anus, inner thighs, urinary tract and cervix.
2. Itching or burning sensation in the vagina, genitalia, anus and penis.
3. The infection could also be identified by vaginal discharge.
4. You might experience pain during urination.
5. Abdominal pain or pressure can also indicate genital herpes.
6. Apart from this, low fever, leg pain or body pain could also occur as a result of genital herpes.

If you wish confirm if you have herpes through medical examination, you might be asked to take blood culture test. Alternatively, a swab test containing the sample from the sores could also be used to test for herpes.

Once, you get herpes, there is no cure for it. The virus remains in your body forever. However, it results in health related problems only when there is an outbreak of the virus. And, the good news is that this outbreak is treatable. The natural methods of treating herpes are highly effective and simple.  If you are interested in herbal treatment for herpes, click here.

So, as soon as you begin to get blisters or itching, just refer to the symptoms given in this article, ‘How do you know if you Have Herpes?’ If your symptoms match with the ones listed here, consult your doctor or opt for home remedies to avoid an outbreak of the virus.