Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs and is spread primarily through sexual contact. Since herpes is a viral infection, it cannot be cured. However, there are medications that can help reduce the symptoms and decrease your chances of infecting a partner. It is important to visit your doctor for herpes testing Los Angeles to make sure that you have not accidentally contracted the infection.

Symptoms

Herpes symptoms can be non-existent or so mild that the infection goes unnoticed. When symptoms do occur, usually they manifest two to twelve days after exposure. Possible symptoms include:

  • Scabs
  • Ulcers
  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Tiny white blister or red bumps

When the initial breakout occurs, it is possible that you may experience flu-like symptoms.

Symptom locations may show up in areas other than the genitals. The sore location will depend on where the infection was introduced into your body. It is possible to spread the infection when contact is made with the sore and transferred to another area of your body by rubbing or scratching that area.

Women and men can both develop symptoms on the:

  • Urethra
  • Butt
  • Mouth
  • Thighs
  • Anus

Men may develop symptoms on the

  • Scrotum
  • Penis

Women may develop symptoms on the

  • Cervix
  • Vaginal area
  • External genitals

Causes

There are two types of the herpes simplex virus that cause genital herpes. They are:

  • HSV-1. This type causes the fever blisters or cold sores that appear around your mouth. It can be spread through oral sex, but more often it is passed through skin contact.
  • HSV-2. This virus type causes genital herpes and spreads through skin contact and sexual contact. This is a highly contagious virus even when sores are not present.

Treatment

While there is no cure for herpes, prescription antiviral medications are used as a treatment to help manage symptoms. These medications will:

  • Reduce the number of times the infection recurs
  • Help sores heal quicker
  • Reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks
  • Reduce the chance of transmitting the virus to another person

Since genital herpes may not exhibit symptoms, it is important to get herpes testing Los Angeles to be sure that you have not accidentally contracted the virus. Please call us at (213) 386-2511 for more information or schedule an appointment online.