Genital Herpes in Men

Genital herpes, the most infectious STD, although shows various common symptoms in both genders, it can become more acute in cases of women, if they're pregnant. In women, it is accompanied by several complications to the baby also, in case the mother is suffering from it.

In men, it is less common than women (one out of five women get infected by this virus while for men the number is, one out of nine, as per a national survey). Unsafe sexual practices majorly lead to transfer of genital herpes viruses viz., herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). It is not an air borne infection and it doesn't spread by touching things like toilet seat etc, used by the infected person. It only spreads by engaging in sexual activities with the infected person. Even oral sex with infected partner can lead to this disease. The herpes virus needs some cell for its survival. Once, a human cell gets infected by this virus, it multiplies in various parts leading to cell death and damage of tissues.

Symptoms
It is difficult to identify these signs in men and hence often it lies dormant for a long time, only to outbreak later in a severe form. Hence, being vigilant about its early signs is essential. It generally starts with a burning and itching sensation in the genital areas. These are the initial signs of infection and also a warning sign for further outbreak. Other signs of this disease in men in the initial stages include flu like symptoms- lower back pain and pain during urination. Moreover, small red bumps may appear in the genital area eventually advancing in the form of blisters. Certainly, it becomes severe when blisters on genital area form a crust or a scab.

It usually takes about 2 - 20 days to develop, after the person is firstly infected by the virus. Mild symptoms may often go unnoticed however sores and skin rash in and around genital areas may indicate possibility of first attack. For a certain duration, virus lies hidden and inactive in nerves and upsurges suddenly causing much evident symptoms. When the virus has penetrated the skin cells, it starts showing its threats and renders skin surface read and hard.

Blisters may further develop in genital areas causing pain, itching and irritation. As the disease advances, many other signs start to pop up, together or one after the other. For instance, some men may complain of fever, headache and muscle ache with the advancement of this infection. Several other men, more prominently will experience infection of urethra and a painful experience while urinating. Swollen lymph glands also indicate the possibility of genital herpes, however, that occurs in later stages of the infection. Besides these, some men have complained of penis and unexplained urethral discharge. Hence, during recurring outbreaks, men should note down various symptoms carefully so that threats of this disease can be curbed effectively.

To minimize the aftermath of these symptoms, men should seek professional help. The cure for this virus is possible through various measures like over the counter medications and home remedies. Prevention, hygiene, personal care and following some natural treatment methods can lessen the severity of symptoms and help in treatment. Sores and blisters take time to heal and hence an individual suffering from it must give sufficient time for healing.