Although female symptoms herpes are much like those of men, the genital herpes virus tends to be more detrimental and harder to control than that of men. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women are infected with the virus versus 1 in 5 men within the U.S.
Women are likely to have more frequent outbreaks than men and the symptoms also tend to be more painful and harder to treat. There is also the added worry of the chances of passing the virus on to her children during childbirth.
The female anatomy is the probable cause since the size of the mucosal tissue surface in the vagina is greater than the tissue on a man’s penis. Since this tissue is the most susceptible part of the body to the genital herpes virus, the greater surface area contributes to the greater rate of infection and female symptoms herpes. Additionally, the menstrual cycle in women tends to lower the immune system which also makes it easier for the virus to infect the female’s body.
When it comes to the female symptoms, herpes can be more painful due to the fact that the virus thrives in the moist areas of the mucosal tissues whereas men’s tissue is much drier. This also makes healing slower and more difficult. In addition to forming on the visible areas of the female genital, female symptoms herpes can develop inside the vagina and cervix as well.
In the early stages, female symptoms herpes include a burning, tingling or itching sensation in the genital area which is sometimes mistaken for yeast infections or urinary tract infections. The virus then develops into red bumps which then become filled with fluid as in a blister. Once this blister breaks open is when the healing stage starts but with women this is when they experience the most pain especially during urinating. It is at this stage when the healing is most difficult for women as keeping the area dry is important for the healing process.
The transmission of the condition from a mother to an infant is possible. Although it is rare for mothers with herpes to pass the condition on to their children, the virus can be life threatening to newborns if it is transmitted. It is extremely important for a pregnant woman to discuss with their doctor if they start to feel the onset of female symptoms herpes, know they have the virus or experience an outbreak around their due date.
Various natural remedies have been known to help alleviate the pain women experience during an outbreak and may eliminate outbreaks altogether. Education is the key to controlling female symptoms herpes as there are many ways a woman can learn to live with this virus.
