If you've been diagnosed with herpes, you are no doubt experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. Due to the undeserved taboo status given to this very common sexually transmitted disease, some people are too ashamed or embarrassed to seek treatment. Others go into a state of complete denial about the disease, while others still are intimidated by the prohibitive cost or embarrassment of obtaining medication for the disease.Whether...more
So you've recently had unprotected sex, and now a few days or weeks later you've got some strange things happening 'downstairs'? If this is the case, the first thing I should tell you is don't panic. There is a huge variety of possible reasons behind these strange happenings, and the best thing you can do is head straight to the doctor for a proper diagnosis. However, given that Genital Herpes is an incredibly common and...more
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is usually caused by the Herpes Simplex Type 2 Virus, or HSV2. HSV1 can also cause herpes infections on and around the genitals, although this strain of the virus is more commonly associated with oral herpes, otherwise known as 'Cold Sores'.Herpes Simplex Type 2 infections are very common, with results of a nationally representative study showing that in the United States, 16 to 17 percent of people aged 19 to 49 have a genital HSV2 infection. These numbers equate to around one in six people, and HSV2 is slightly more common in women than in men.Most people with Herpes Simplex Type 2 infections show little or no signs of infection, which could account for the high infection rate, as many people with the virus simply don't know they have it, on account of showing no symptoms at all. Those that do show symptoms will find that the disease can manifest in a variety of ways, however the most common symptoms include:Periodic outbreaks of blisters on and around the genital region. These blisters eventually burst, leaving weeping sores, which can take two to four weeks to heal if untreated.Flu like symptoms such as...more
Herpes is a contagious viral disease that has many variations including the popularly known herpes simplex type 1 and 2, responsible for the cold sore eruptions and the much dreaded genital herpes. It is spread through skin to skin contact and rampantly exists in the world. Most people are worried about contacting herpes and the most...more
Genital herpes one of the most common STDs in the United States today, with estimates as high as one in six people carrying the disease. Having herpes can be a very harrowing experience, and I should know. I've had herpes for over ten years now. In the short term, herpes is a terrible emotional rollercoaster. You feel ashamed and...more
Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease, affecting around one in six people in the United States alone. Herpes testing is incredibly important, so if you think you may have been exposed to the virus, or are showing any symptoms, it is vital you get to a health care professional immediately for a diagnosis.One of the main contributors to the high infection rate of herpes is the fact that many infections are subclinical, meaning that the person infected shows no symptoms at all, and may not know they even carry the virus. As a result, those with subclinical infections may spread the disease unknowingly to sexual partners, who aren't as lucky on the symptoms front and then must bear the brunt of the terrible outbreaks and emotional pain.One common herpes test is the cell culture. This involves a doctor taking a sample from a herpes sore, which is allowed to culture and multiply, and then is viewed under a microscope. This is one of the more effective herpes tests if you've been recently infected.A blood test may also be used to test for herpes. This is usually taken if you have no symptoms, although it can be a problematic herpes test, as recently...more
Genital herpes simplex is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can be caused by both the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, and can infect the mouth as well as the genitals. When either virus infects the mouth, it is known as...more
There's tons and tons of information out there on herpes, and most of it is about prevention. While this is all well and good (herpes is a very common sexually transmitted disease, and the numbers don't seem to be going down) for those...more
To have a sound sexual health is like a blessing in many ways. Sex can determine the quality of your life as an adult. It is also the only way to leave behind your lineage on earth. But your sexual wellbeing can be affected by viral...more
Genital herpes is a very widespread sexually transmitted disease, estimate to affect over 45 million people in the US alone. It is cause by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and once contracted stays in the body for the lifetime of the...more
Finding out you've got genital herpes can be a harrowing experience. You'll likely experience pain, anguish, depression, confusion, anger and anxiety as well as a host of other swirling emotions. Sadly, there is no cure for genital...more
Herpes type 2, or Herpes Simplex type 2, is one class of the condition Herpes Simplex. While Herpes Simplex type 1 and type 2 share many common characteristics, and both can effect either the mouth or the genitals, herpes type 2 is...more