Herpes simplex or HSV is a common virus that can affect the oral and genital regions in men, and is currently considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), because it is often spread during sexual intercourse. Many times this infection is under diagnosed, because is doesn’t always cause symptoms. A global concern on men’s sexual health is estimated up to 25% of people infected with herpes simplex type 2 (also known as genital herpes) are not aware they have this condition. The problem is that even if there are mild or no symptoms, the infected men will still be able to transmit this virus.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is primarily caused by HSV type 2 and sometimes by HSV type 1. For those men who experience symptoms during a primary outbreak (infection), the symptoms will occur one to two weeks after having sexual intercourse with an infected person and symptoms include tingling in the genitalia, thighs and buttocks, followed by fluid filled blisters (usually occurring in clusters) which will transform in the next few weeks into open sores. These open sores are painful and occasionally itchy, and will be replaced with crusts and complete healing of the skin. Roughly 40% of the men will also manifest flu-like symptoms with muscle aches, headaches, fever, fatigue and swollen glands in the groin and neck regions.
Recurrent infections may occur several times a year, are typically milder and will heal much faster, typically within a few days, because the immune system starts to fight against herpes virus and minimize its effect on the body. Genital herpes (or HSV type 2 ) will tend to re-occur more frequently than oral herpes (or HSV type 1).
Oral herpes
Oral herpes blisters will be located around the lips, in the mouth, on the tongue, in the nose, or on the cheeks. The primary outbreak that will last up to 2 weeks. Blisters will be replaced by yellowish crusts and will heal without any scars. Sometimes men may experience difficulty swallowing, muscle aches and hearing loss. When the infection reoccurs, blisters will heal faster and may be associated with flu-like symptoms.
Treatment
Conventional treatment includes anti-viral drugs like acyclovir , which can improve the symptoms, but they also have a number of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, kidney problems and mood changes. Painkillers may also be indicated to control the pain. Natural medicine offers a safer alternative to conventional drugs, and has the ability to not only suppress the symptoms, but also kill the virus. Talk to your doctor about using Vitamin D, coconut oil or monolaurin. As always, it is better to prevent than to treat. You can decrease your chances (not completely eliminate) of contacting herpes virus by using latex condoms and avoiding multiple sex partners. If you already have this infection and it is active, keep the blisters clean and dry. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after applying the treatment or after touching the affected skin.
References:
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_herpes_simplex_virus_000052_2.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/acyclovir-oral/article.htm
