What Women Need to Worry About With Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a very unflattering, and not accurate name for the orthopoxvirus infection that is somewhat similar to small pox (variola virus) which has been eliminated in the world.

Anyone with the Monkeypox virus needs to be promptly diagnosed and immediately isolated so those around will not be infected.

Close physical contact like sustained skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity, is the way Monkeypox is transmitted. Thus getting infectious lesions in the vagina, the vulva, the rectum, and the mouth are the most typical presentations.

These rashes can be confused with other STDs, and you should be tested appropriately for those as well.

Most all the cases have been in men.

If you are exposed the infection usually appears within 5 days to two weeks. The first symptoms may be like a viral illness: fever, lymph swelling, fatigue, or feeling poorly.

The cystic bumps or pustule like lesions appear one to 4 days after the rash. And you are infectious until the rash scabs over and heals.

You are more likely to be exposed if you have traveled, than if you were just in the USA.

You can prevent getting Monkeypox if you are vaccinated promptly after exposure, so check with your health care provider.

Monkeypox has not been studied in pregnancy, so there is no real information of risks if you acquire the condition and you are pregnant.

Discuss STD protection with your provider and have sex, but do so safely!