The herpes virus is categorized into 2 main types: HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus 1) and HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus 2). Type 1 herpes virus causes oral and genital herpes, while type 2 herpes virus causes genital herpes. The type 1 herpes virus is considered the milder of the 2 types. There are several ways of detecting and controlling both types of viruses, no matter which type you are actually dealing with.

For males, the symptoms of herpes infection usually start with itchiness or tingly sensation in the genital area. After the itchiness, the infected area will start to swell and produce red bumps on the penis, buttocks or even on the anus. These bumps will slowly turn into blisters and eventually become painful sores. These open sores will start healing once they begin to scab. Some men will experience a painful burning sensation when they urinate. They will have signs of swollen lymph nodes around the area of the groin. They will start to experience some constipation, lethargy, headache and fever. If you are male, and have started to experience some of these signs and symptoms, and you are very sexually active, then you might have already contracted genital herpes.

One of the main things to remember for men, is that male can start to experience herpes symptoms 3 to 7 days after sexual intercourse with a person infected with genital herpes. If you are infected, be sure to pay extra attention to your symptoms. This will help control your outbreaks and keep your disease in check. In most cases, the initial outbreak is the most severe, while the recurrent outbreaks tend to be less severe and shorter in duration. Visit your doctor and get treated immediately if you suspect that you may have genital herpes or if you suffer from the sign and symptoms of herpes. If controlled properly, an infected male can still lead an active and normal life, both in and out of the bedroom. Unfortunately, physical signs are not the only problem. Some men can experience psychological effects as well. There have been known cases in the past of men becoming extremely depressed after they were diagnosed with herpes because of the fear of infecting their partners. This is why knowledge about the disease is important.

Once a man is diagnosed as a carrier of the disease, the symptoms can be treated immediately and on a regular basis. These treatments can range from over the counter ointments and other topical applications to oral supplements. There are also many ways to help make the herpes symptoms more bearable for men. The use of unscented soaps, wearing more comfortable and looser clothing and avoiding extreme heat conditions can help alleviate these symptoms. Over the counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease any pain caused by the herpes. Doctors can prescribe topical creams and herbal treatments to help relieve any other side effects caused by the disease during an outbreak. It is best to avoid sexual intercourse during an active outbreak, otherwise the use of latex condoms during periods of latency is advised.