• Herpes simplex virus Type II is the leading cause of genital herpes.
• Herpes simplex virus Type I, which often leads to cold sores on or around the mouth, can also cause genital herpes.
• Common triggers for flare-ups — once you have the disease — are sexual intercourse, exposure to ultraviolet light, fatigue, injury, extremes in temperature and stress.
• Menstrual periods may also trigger attacks in women.
• Individuals with compromised immune systems (like those with AIDS or some other debilitating disease) are more prone to severe flare-ups.

Symptoms

• Watery blisters on the genitals that burst and become painful open sores/ulcers. Ulcers scab and go away within a few weeks.
• Blisters around mouth can develop when blisters on genitals appear.
• Painful, itchy genital area; fever; fatigue; loss of appetite.
• Pain while urinating for women.
• Lymph nodes located in the groin often swell up usually during the first attack.
• Headache may occur if viral meningitis (infection of the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord) develops. Meningitis is commonly associated with the herpes virus.

• Herpes Center
• Herpes Nutrition and Diet Alternatives
• Herpes Treatment
• Websites and Research