Genital herpes is a very common Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that affects over 20% of the general population. It is an incurable disease. An individual who has genital herpes can develop painful genital sores, but may not develop any symptoms otherwise. One of the only ways to ascertain if you have the infection is to go and get tested for STDs in Singapore, especially if you develop these sores. Here are three facts you need to know about genital herpes.
- Herpes can be very easily transmitted
One of the primary modes of herpes transmission is if you come into contact with a herpes sore, which can most commonly appear in the mouth or on the genitals. Therefore, it is possible to contract herpes as long as there is skin contact between the two parties.
Alternatively, herpes can be transmitted to you if your partner has genital herpes (even without the visible sores) and genital secretions (seminal or vaginal fluids) are transferred to vaginal or anal sex. It is also possible to contract herpes from the saliva of someone who has oral herpes.
Given these factors, it is very easy for herpes to be transmitted from one person to another. However, there are precautions that one can take to prevent being infected with herpes – when having sex with a new sexual partner, always properly use a condom and watch out for the signs of herpes sores. Do not have sex with someone who has sores in their genital area as that is a likely sign of being infected with herpes.
- Herpes cannot be cured but there are medicines that can prevent outbreaks
After being infected, it is impossible to cure genital herpes. The virus will be present in the body for life. However, there are medicines that can help to prevent/shorten the outbreak of sores. This is important as the sores can be very painful, especially when they break. Should they break, these sores can transmit the herpes virus to other parts of the body through contact, so it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching these sores. One of these herpes medicines also helps to make it less likely that you would pass on the infection to other sex partners.
- While genital herpes may not be life-threatening, you have a higher chance of contracting HIV if you don’t receive treatment
The main symptoms of genital herpes are the constant outbreaks of sores you’ll experience over the course of your life. While that causes great discomfort, it is not life-threatening. However, a herpes infection can cause breaks in the mouth, vagina and rectum, which increases the chances of other STDs, including HIV. HIV is a lethal STD that cannot be cured. It is thus extremely important that you get tested should you exhibit any sign of genital herpes, to ensure that you receive the proper treatment.
Should you have any questions, do consult with a doctor in an STD clinic in Singapore, who would be able to advise you on genital herpes and other STDs.
