Herpes symptoms in men can vary greatly from one individual to another, with some men exhibiting obvious signs of infection, while others' symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. Not surprisingly, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) estimates that, although one out of every nine American men between the ages of 14 and 49 is infected, nearly 80% of those with genital herpes (or HSV-2) are unaware that they carry the virus.
The majority of men infected with genital herpes learn of their condition after experiencing a primary outbreak of herpes blisters and lesions on, and around, their genitals. Generally, this first outbreak is severe, and takes place between two and 20 days after coming into contact with an infected individual. With medical research indicating that less than 40% of infected men experience an outbreak of blisters and sores, however, it is imperative to learn to identify the other, less-obvious, symptoms that may be experienced by a recently-infected person.
Because the presence of blisters on or around the genitals may not be present during a herpes outbreak, the following additional herpes symptoms in men should also be noted:
Irritation of the genitals, groin, buttocks and thighs, accompanied by itching, burning and tingling sensations
Sudden onset of headache, fever, chills and fatigue
Discomfort during urination
Swelling of the lymph nodes (usually in the throat or groin)
Aching muscles and shooting pains in the groin and lower back regions
Should any combination of these symptoms become apparent within several days of sexual intercourse, it could be a warning sign from the infected person's body that the genital herpes virus is beginning to replicate itself in the nerve clusters near the source of the infection. For those who have already experienced an initial outbreak of blisters and sores, these symptoms may be recognized as the onset of a subsequent episode. For the estimated 40% of men who never suffer an outbreak of blisters, however, these symptoms may be the only warning that they've become infected.
Should you realize that you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article, it is recommended that you discuss them with your doctor. The genital herpes virus is highly-contagious, and infection not only dramatically increases your chances of contracting other sexually-transmitted diseases (HIV/AIDS in particular), but is also known to cause risks to infected women during childbirth. There is no vaccine or cure available for the HSV-2 virus, but treatment can lessen both the severity and likelihood of future outbreaks, while simultaneously reducing the risk of you passing the virus on to others.
Becoming infected with genital herpes can be emotionally, and physically difficult for those infected with the virus, and learning to identify herpes symptoms in men early in the infection is one of the keys to slowing the spread of the disease. "The message is herpes is quite common. The symptoms can often be very innocuous. Many individuals are transmitting herpes to others without even knowing it", said Dr. John Douglas of the CDC during a 2010 conference with members of the national media. Director of the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Dr. Kevin Fenton, elaborated further saying, "Everyone should be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this lifelong and incurable infection."
The need to help the public accurately identify all herpes symptoms in men has become a priority for the U.S. health community. It is only through improved education that we can hope to eventually help infected men from unknowingly spreading the virus.
The majority of men infected with genital herpes learn of their condition after experiencing a primary outbreak of herpes blisters and lesions on, and around, their genitals. Generally, this first outbreak is severe, and takes place between two and 20 days after coming into contact with an infected individual. With medical research indicating that less than 40% of infected men experience an outbreak of blisters and sores, however, it is imperative to learn to identify the other, less-obvious, symptoms that may be experienced by a recently-infected person.
Because the presence of blisters on or around the genitals may not be present during a herpes outbreak, the following additional herpes symptoms in men should also be noted:
Irritation of the genitals, groin, buttocks and thighs, accompanied by itching, burning and tingling sensations
Sudden onset of headache, fever, chills and fatigue
Discomfort during urination
Swelling of the lymph nodes (usually in the throat or groin)
Aching muscles and shooting pains in the groin and lower back regions
Should any combination of these symptoms become apparent within several days of sexual intercourse, it could be a warning sign from the infected person's body that the genital herpes virus is beginning to replicate itself in the nerve clusters near the source of the infection. For those who have already experienced an initial outbreak of blisters and sores, these symptoms may be recognized as the onset of a subsequent episode. For the estimated 40% of men who never suffer an outbreak of blisters, however, these symptoms may be the only warning that they've become infected.
Should you realize that you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article, it is recommended that you discuss them with your doctor. The genital herpes virus is highly-contagious, and infection not only dramatically increases your chances of contracting other sexually-transmitted diseases (HIV/AIDS in particular), but is also known to cause risks to infected women during childbirth. There is no vaccine or cure available for the HSV-2 virus, but treatment can lessen both the severity and likelihood of future outbreaks, while simultaneously reducing the risk of you passing the virus on to others.
Becoming infected with genital herpes can be emotionally, and physically difficult for those infected with the virus, and learning to identify herpes symptoms in men early in the infection is one of the keys to slowing the spread of the disease. "The message is herpes is quite common. The symptoms can often be very innocuous. Many individuals are transmitting herpes to others without even knowing it", said Dr. John Douglas of the CDC during a 2010 conference with members of the national media. Director of the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Dr. Kevin Fenton, elaborated further saying, "Everyone should be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this lifelong and incurable infection."
The need to help the public accurately identify all herpes symptoms in men has become a priority for the U.S. health community. It is only through improved education that we can hope to eventually help infected men from unknowingly spreading the virus.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about herpes symptoms in men, then visit Devin Brindinshire's site on what does herpes look like for additional information.
No comments:
Post a Comment