subject: Genital Herpes Transmission - How Herpes is Spread [print this page] There are many fears about STI's (sexually transmitted diseases) that cause people to actually shy away from getting the real information. Wrong information which amounts to not much more than conjecture at best, or gossip at the worst is no help at all. For example, for many years people have believed that genital herpes transmission could take place by coming in contact with a toilet seat which an infected person has used. This is not true. It is impossible for the herpes virus, which causes herpes, to survive without the human body's moisture and warmth. So, no need to fear the public toilet seat, at least where the herpes virus is concerned.
For genital herpes transmission to take place, there has to be sexual contact between a person who is infected with the HSV (herpes simplex virus.) That is why it is so important for people who are going to engage in sexual activity to use protection such as a condom. Although condoms provide a good measure of protection against STI's, they are not a guarantee that the involved persons will not become infected. Obviously, the more sexual partners a person has, the more opportunity he or she has to become infected. Statistics show that 80% of people who have the herpes virus do not know it. They may be spreading the infection and be totally unaware of the fact.
It is most important to refrain from sexual activity when one is experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes symptoms. Although the symptoms themselves may appear on other areas of the body besides the genitals, absence of blisters or rash at the genitals does not mean it is safe to have sex when there are other areas of the body where symptoms are present. Genital herpes transmission takes place the fastest during an outbreak of symptoms.
Genital herpes transmission is possible during an absence of symptoms because once an individual is infected with the HSV, it will always remain in the body. There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, but there are effective ways to treat the virus once a person has been diagnosed with the disease. Of utmost importance is seeing a doctor if you suspect you have the virus. Genital herpes and pregnancy can cause complication, as can herpes and other immune based conditions. Symptoms may be confused with other ailments, that is why so many cases go undiagnosed. Certainly, any blisters or rashes around the genitals are a pretty good indication of the virus.
Genital Herpes Transmission - How Herpes is Spread
