Recognizing Male Herpes

Male Herpes is an emerging infection. It is estimated that about 1 in every 6 adults in the United States alone have herpes.

It is also one of the top prevalent STDs in other highly urbanized areas such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Well—it’s no surprise. The prevalence of herpes in men is due to the lack of understanding about this infection.

Men who suffer from herpes are usually in denial. They dismiss the signs and symptoms of herpes as nothing more than a jock itch. Or they wait around until the symptoms die down.

This unfortunately makes it easy for the virus to get passed on to an unsuspecting partner. Because herpes is highly contagious, the virus can still be transmitted with or without the visible signs of herpes sores.

If you’re experiencing some weird sensations and/or bumps in your body, you need to see a doctor knowledgeable about STDs. They can order a good herpes test that will give you some answers.

In the meantime, below is some advice about herpes in males based from my personal experience with the infection.

What are the symptoms of Male Herpes?

Herpes in men is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. This tiny enveloped virus is transmitted through skin to skin contact and hides under the base of the spine. After about 2-10 days from initial exposure to the virus, the signs and symptoms will then appear causing what is known as the primary outbreak.

Herpes symptoms in men can be roughly categorized into two: 1) generalized and 2) localized.

Herpes symptoms in men start out as generalized. You will feel a tingling or prickly sensation much like a pinch in a large part of your body. You might even experience flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes.

Then, red rashes and raised bumps will appear on the initial site of exposure. These sores are the tell-tale signs of a herpes infection and are called the localized symptoms, because they usually appear only on a specific area.

A person is contagious from the moment they experience generalized symptoms. This is because the virus is rapidly replicating and making its way up to the skin surface to shed. Once it appears on the skin surface, it will now produce painful sores.

Since the herpes virus is self-limiting, the sores will heal on their own by drying up and forming a scab. But they can heal faster and feel much less painful when you take herpes medications such as acyclovir or valtrex.

How did I get Male Herpes?

There are two types of herpes virus: HSV 1 (oral herpes) and HSV 2 (genital herpes). The way you can get them is through sexual contact which includes kissing, oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

HSV 1 prefers the oral region, while HSV 2 thrives in the genital area. But there are some instances of cross infection especially when giving or receiving oral sex.

Male genital herpes symptoms can appear anywhere in your groin area, penis, scrotum, even reaching to your thighs or buttocks.

That’s why it is important to abstain from sex until the symptoms go away! During an outbreak you are highly contagious because the virus is actively shedding via the sores or blisters.

What is the proper treatment for my Male Herpes?

Because the herpes virus is self-limiting, the sores will go away on its own after 2-3 weeks.

However, by taking an active part in treating your male herpes symptoms, you can help lessen the duration and frequency of a herpes outbreak.

Herpes can be managed quite effectively. Here are some herpes treatments that work:

Do know that each person reacts differently to herpes treatments. So you might find yourself trying out a few treatment methods before coming across a treatment for herpes that’s suitable for you.

What can I do about my Male Herpes?

Now that you’ve read about the signs and symptoms of herpes in men, it is important to see your doctor right away for immediate treatment of the infection.

Here are a few action steps that you can take:

Go get tested. It’s the only way to dispel all worries and doubts. You need to face the truth about what’s happening in your body. STDcheck offers reliable and confidential testing services in case you need fast and completely private results.
Use herpes products. If you don't like taking herpes medications, there are some natural herpes treatments and home treatments for herpes which you check out as alternative solutions to your herpes outbreaks.
Educate yourself. Learning all you can about the herpes virus will equip you with the necessary knowledge you need in order to make informed decisions health-wise. Start with reading more pages on this website or checking out my course on the Ultimate Herpes Survival Guide.

The trick here is to listen to your body. Recognize when an oncoming outbreak is about to happen. That way you can reduce the chances of transmitting the infection especially when you’re actively dating with herpes.

Male herpes is not so bad. How should I know? Well, I've had it for two decades and I've learned to live and love with it.

The beginning is only the hardest. It gets better. You will still be able to live a rich and fulfilling life with herpes.

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