Genital herpes simplex is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
It can be caused by both the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, and can infect the mouth as well as the genitals.
When either virus infects the mouth, it is known as the common condition 'cold sores.
' The infection rate in the United States is estimated at around one in six people, although these numbers could be much higher, as in many cases the virus is a subclinical infection, meaning it shows no symptoms at all.
This also explains the high infection rate, many people with Genital Herpes Simplex simply are not aware they have the disease.
For those who do experience symptoms, they can range in both severity and in symptoms shown.
Some will experience mild symptoms such as a rash and small or few outbreaks of sores or blisters.
Others may have more strong symptoms such as large amounts of large sores that will weep and burst, rash, nausea, fever, headaches, muscle or joint pain.
Outbreaks of genital herpes simplex may occur as often as once a month, or as little as a handful of times in the sufferer's lifetime.
The outbreaks almost always heal completely and leave no scarring, and usually become less severe as the sufferer gets older.
There is no permanent cure for Genital Herpes Simplex, but there are a range of effective treatments for controlling outbreaks and keeping the virus at bay.
Many people have great success with prescription Anti-Viral drugs, which can be taken when an outbreak starts, or taken constantly as a form of suppressive therapy.
Others have had success with natural treatments, which can be milder in effect but are also cheaper and have fewer side effects.
For most people, herpes is not the terrible affliction it is made out to be, and can be very controllable and manageable.
The key is finding the right treatment that works best for your body.