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Genital Herpes
Teens are at a higher risk of acquiring STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) as they are more likely than other age group to have multiple sex partners and to engage in unprotected sex. Moreover, teenage girls are biologically more susceptible to genital herpes, gonorrhea and HIV.
Genital herpes is a common STD spread by a virus. It is a lifelong infection with symptoms that come and go throughout life. The occurrence of herpes increases with age. The rate of new infections for herpes is highest during the late teens and early twenties.
Who can get genital herpes?
Anyone can become infected, but risk is increased by having multiple sex partners or if the person has another STD. 1 out of every 4 to 5 people are infected with herpes, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, especially amongst teenagers.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
- Symptoms for males and females include burning in the genital area, usually followed by small red blisters. These can become open sores (ulcers), which then crust over and heal in two to three weeks.
- Blisters and sores are usually very painful.
- Other possible symptoms include vaginal discharge (females), burning during urination, fever and enlarged, tender lymph nodes.
Which segment of teenagers are most at risk of contracting herpes:
- Those who have unprotected sex.
- Those who have multiple sex partners.
- Those who have sex with someone already having a STD.
Can you get genital herpes from oral sex?
Oral sex is risky, as herpes can be passed by skin-to-skin contact from the genital area.
What are the consequences if one gets infected with herpes?
Genital herpes has no cure. Even if you are experiencing mild symptoms, it is possible that it may cause permanent damage to your body, including infertility.
How do you treat genital herpes?
- There is no cure for genital herpes. The virus emerges to the surface at intervals and causes symptoms.
- There are medications to shorten the healing time and reduce the number of outbreaks you have over time once you have been infected.
- The best way to prevent spreading the infection is to avoid sex until the sores have completely healed. As the virus can be active without any noticeable sores, it is important to use condoms even when no symptoms are present.
What if herpes infection is left untreated?
- Having sores from genital herpes increases chances of getting other STDs, including HIV infection.
- Women can spread genital herpes to their newborn babies.
How to protect oneself from genital herpes?
- Do not have sex with someone who has an open sore on his or her sex organ.
- Always use a latex condom during sex.
- Limit your number of sex partners.
- Try to abstain from sex till you get married, or are fully aware of the consequences of STDs.