Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and one in three people who contract it may have it without even knowing, notes Dr. Raquel Mendoza Aguilar, infectious disease specialist at ABC Medical Center.<\/p>\n
There are two types of genital herpes: type 1 and type 2. Both are transmitted through direct contact, and people with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of contracting it, this includes people dealing with stress, obesity, diabetes, taking certain medications, or living with other sexually transmitted infections.<\/p>\n
Mexico’s Ministry of Health notes that herpes simplex is caused by a virus and comes in two types: type 1, mainly associated with facial and oral lesions, and type 2, primarily linked to genital lesions, although this distinction isn’t strict.<\/p>\n
This condition can present very differently from person to person. In men, it’s quite common for it to go unnoticed, with no symptoms at all. In women, on the other hand, the first outbreak often causes a more severe episode, with very painful genital lesions along with general discomfort, such as body aches, headache, or fever.<\/p>\n
Once someone contracts genital herpes, there’s currently no cure, whether in men or women. However, there are treatments available to help manage it. Genital herpes can also easily recur, sometimes without the person even noticing, and during these periods, the risk of transmitting it to others, as well as contracting other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, increases, notes Dr. Mendoza.<\/p>\n
To help protect against transmission, avoid direct genital or oral contact when possible; if you have the condition, seek treatment during an active outbreak. Also follow the prescribed treatment plan to reduce how often outbreaks occur, which lowers the risk of transmission.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that shingles (herpes zoster) is a different virus from genital herpes, also known as herpes simplex. While shingles can be cured, genital herpes currently cannot and requires a different type of ongoing treatment.<\/p>\n
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and one in three people who contract it may have it without even knowing, notes Dr. Raquel Mendoza Aguilar, infectious disease specialist at ABC Medical Center. There are two types of genital herpes: type 1 and type 2. Both are transmitted through direct contact, and […]<\/p>\n