Female Genital Herpes

While up to a third of the general population has herpes at any given time, female genital herpes are slightly more prevalent than male genital herpes. This is thought to be the case because it is easier for a man to give a woman herpes than the other way around. If you are a woman and find yourself with a case of herpes, below are some tips on how to best treat it.

There are two kinds of herpes virus and both affect the skin and mucus membranes. One, known as HSV-1 is extremely common, and makes itself known through sores in the mouth and on the lips. The other is HSV-2, also known as genital herpes. Female genital herpes can vary a great deal in its severity, mainly due to individual differences. The stronger your immune system, and the better your overall health, the less likely you are to experience severe symptoms.

Fortunately, herpes can be treated. Thanks to a family of drugs known as acyclovir, outbreaks can be shortened or prevented altogether. These drugs should only be taken under a doctor’s care, and dosage and frequency of use will depend on whether it is being used to treat a current outbreak, or for future prevention. These drugs can have some serious side effects and can be toxic in great quantities, so your doctor will probably place some strict limitations on their use. In any event, using them for more than one year at a time is not recommended.

Female genital herpes can also be treated with a well-known home remedy. Making a black walnut compress can reduce the pain of an outbreak and also shorten its length. To make one, boil an ounce of black walnut leaves in a few cups of water. Drain the water after ten minutes and soak a cloth in the remainder. Apply the cloth to the affected area for 15 minutes, and you’ll feel some relief almost right away.

Since outbreaks vary in their severity from person to person, if you do your best to stay generally healthy, they will probably be less severe. Exercise, watch your diet and drink plenty of water. The stronger you are, the less likely herpes is to make a comeback.

Even though there is no cure for female genital herpes, it is definitely treatable, and if you take care of yourself, you can also reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

For more information, check out these other herpes related hubs;

* Male Herpes

* Herpes Incubation Period

* Male Genital Herpes

* Herpes Blisters