| Genital herpes symptoms |
| Written by Samantha Grey | |
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Sexually transmitted disease is a social stigma for most societies. It implies that one is too over zealous of God’s command to “go out and multiply.” Aside from this implication, there are more implications that are far more serious when one acquires sexually transmitted diseases. For instance, a person’s acquisition of a sexually transmitted disease such as genital herpes might imply that this certain person or this person’s sex partner has many other sex partners aside from him. The social stigma is further fueled by knowledge of the fact that disease like genital herpes is common among working girls (whore) or working boys (gigolos). For someone with the social stigma, this means that anybody showing genital herpes symptoms has most likely had sex with a prostitute. The premise that social stigma operates on that having anybody showing genital herpes symptoms has most likely had sex with a prostitute is essentially wrong. This is due to the fact that not everybody shows signs and symptoms of genital herpes. It is possible that your sex partner doesn’t even realize that the virus has infected him or her. It is important to remember that the herpes simplex virus is essentially a virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. This means that there are many ways for someone to get in contact with the herpes simplex virus. Herpes comes in many forms but it originates from the same organism although affecting different parts of the body. Take for as an example, a man with genital herpes simplex lesions using the public comfort room. While urinating, he unintentionally touches the lesions, which by the way are active lesions, with his dominant and therefore transfers the virus into his dominant hand. He then forgets to wash his hands after urinating because he was in a hurry (however even by washing hands there is still a small chance that his hands are not fully decontaminated). He then twists the doorknob with his dominant hand, opens the door and exits the comfort room. Then another guy enters the comfort room, does his business, washes his hands and twists the now infected doorknob there by infecting his hand, opens the door and exits. Keep in mind that herpes needs a portal of entry, so if the 2nd guy happens to touch a break in his skin then he gets herpes. Although not necessarily one leading to genital herpes, unless of course there is a break in the skin of his genitals and he touches that too. There are ways of getting genital herpes. Even with the most popular and widely used contraceptive today, one will still get herpes. Medical doctors, healthcare providers and medical institutions have promoted condoms as a counter measure to protect one from getting infected with herpes. However, one must take into account the basic transmission method of herpes, that is through skin to skin contact with an infected person. Then take into account that a condom only covers the shaft of the penis. This still leaves the scrotum and thighs exposed. This means that if any active lesions are located in those exposed areas transmission is still possible. This social stigma for herpes and for any other sexually transmitted diseases has many negative effects. The social stigma usually makes people who have symptoms of genital herpes hesitant to share with other people and even to those people who help can them. Aside from making them hesitant to share information, the social stigma also results to depression, and many other fears ranging from fear of being found out to fear of rejection. These fears that infected people develop are not based upon unfounded evidences but on actual social responses of ignorant people who fear the unknown more than anything else. For people who are too afraid to consult health care providers on whether or not they have genital herpes, maybe you should know what are it’s signs and symptoms. A good way to make certain whether or not you have genital herpes would be to look at the signs and symptoms. In general, herpes can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because it can be mistaken for other viral infections. For certain diseases there is something called a “pathognomonic sign ”, it is a certain sign or symptom found only in that disease. For herpes simplex, sadly no such thing exists. However, there is another virus called herpes zoster, which should never be confused with herpes simplex nor should it be confused as a genital herpes symptom. The common genital herpes symptoms usually include small fluid filled blisters usually found on the penis, scrotum, vagina, thighs, and buttocks. They often break by themselves and form sores that are sometimes painful. Once you observe that you have these signs and symptoms, it would be best to go get a laboratory test for herpes simplex. No matter what social stigma about sexually transmitted diseases there is in your society you must overcome your fears and get proper help. Keep in mind that by getting help for your problem you are helping in the efforts to eliminate herpes. |
