Genital herpes and its treatment

Many people suffer from sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital herpes. Genital herpes is one of the most common infection, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Such infections can be spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, having multiple sex partners, frequent changing of sex partners, sharing sex toys with an infected partner and becoming sexually active at a very young age. Genital herpes, just like any other sexually transmitted infection, is known to affect sexually active men as well women. This is especially true for those who are young and are between 20 to 24 years old. But like some of the sexually transmitted infections, genital herpes is not an infection, which can be completely cured. You can treat this infection with the help of antivirals such as Aciclovir, Valtrex and Famvir.

Sometimes, sexually transmitted infections are misdiagnosed as some normal skin infection. Because of such incorrect diagnosis, it so happens that the sexually transmitted infection cannot be treated correctly. If genital herpes is left untreated, it can become life threatening if it spreads to the other parts of your body. Genital herpes can also make you vulnerable for getting infected with HIV. So in case you have had unprotected sexual intercourse with your partner, it is advisable that you get yourself diagnosed. You can take the help of genital herpes test kit for the diagnosis purpose. You are required to provide a urine sample to the laboratory, which is used for diagnosis. If the results of your test are positive, it indicates that you are infected with genital herpes. Acyclovir is usually the medication that the doctors prescribe for those who are infected with the infection for the very first time.

This pill works by preventing the spread of the herpes virus, by inhibiting the duplication and multiplication of the virus in your body. By doing this, Aciclovir gives enough strength to your immune system, to fight off the virus. It is available under the brand name of Zovirax, and also helps in the treatment of cold sores or shingles, that are a result of the herpes virus too. Aciclovir is available in the dosage strength of 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg, of which, you are usually asked to take the 200 mg dosage in the initial stage. You are required to take this Acyclovir dosage, 5 times a days for up to 5 days. You need to take the this tablet with a full glass of water, either with or without food. You can safely take Aciclovir if you are 18 years of age, but is advisable to be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those suffering from diabetes and are taking medications such as cimetidine and ciclosporin.

It is also advisable to inform your doctor if you are allergic to Acyclovir itself or any other drug and if you are suffering from kidney disease. Even this drug can cause certain side effects in you, which include headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach upset or pain in the lower back, swelling in your hands or feet, unusual weakness, loss of appetite, feeling light headed, and urinating less than usual or not at all. Acyclovir can also cause severe side effects by interacting with other medications that you might be taking. So it is important that your doctor is aware of any drugs, including vitamins, minerals, herbal drugs or any other drugs that you are taking.