subject: Genital Herpes- What Everyone Should Know [print this page] You"ve seen the commercials with healthy, spandex-clad people running around, climbing mountains, and kayaking over rocks and waterfalls. Nothing, not even the presence of genital herpes, is going to get these people down! While the drug companies who offer treatment for genital herpes might paint a nice, vibrant picture, the reality is that herpes is far from fun. As the founder and CEO of getSTDtested.com, an online, confidential STD testing company, Tracey Powell thinks that people should be aware of their risks and know the reality of living with herpes. He stresses the importance of educating people about the facts about this disease that has affected over forty-five million people throughout the country. The following is what Tracey believes everyone should know about herpes and how you can protect yourself:
People with herpes don"t always experience outbreaks
It is a common misconception that people with genital herpes are bound to be aware that they"re infected. It"s actually quite possible to be infected with herpes but not experience any symptoms or outbreaks. Additionally, not all herpes outbreaks are as painful or obvious as others; some people with the disease might only notice a blister or two, whereas others might find themselves overwhelmed by flare-ups. Finally, while some might believe herpes sores to be wholly recognizable, minor cases can often be mistaken for insect bites or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is fully possible to experience a herpes outbreak but not recognize it as such.
Herpes can be painful
Although some might regard a genital herpes outbreak as more of an inconvenience than an agonizing occasion, genital herpes can actually be quite painful. Those diagnosed with genital herpes can often experience multiple outbreaks within the first year, though such recurrences tend to decrease in frequency over time.
Herpes can be transmitted even in the absence of an outbreak
Many people operate under the false assumption that genital herpes can only be transmitted from one person to another when the infected party is experiencing an outbreak. In reality, the herpes virus can be released and passed along between outbreaks from skin that does not contain any sores. It is also possible for a person with oral herpes to give their partner genital herpes via oral sex. Even if the person performing oral sex does not have genital herpes, it is still possible to transmit the infection onto the genital area of their partner, resulting in genital herpes for the recipient.
There is no cure for herpes
Like the commercials say, there is currently no known cure for genital herpes, which means that once a person is infected with the disease, they will have it for life. On the other hand, there is treatment out there that can shorten and prevent herpes outbreaks for those who are infected. Daily suppressive therapy for is also available for herpes patients who tend to suffer from outbreaks; such treatment can reduce a person"s risk of transmitting the disease to a sexual partner.
Since herpes is a disease that is rather easy to pass along from one person to the next, people need to take special care to protect themselves from infection. Make sure that you are aware of your sexual health and reduce your risk by talking to a new partner about getting a gential herpes test before engaging in any sexual contact. Remember, there is no cure for herpes and it is not something that can be taken back, so it"s important to take all the necessary steps to protect yourself and make your sexual health a priority. Test for Genital Herpes today.
