Myths and Facts About Genital Herpes. Part I

Test your knowledge of genital herpes. Of the following statements, which are facts and which are myths?

1. You can spread genital herpes when you don't have any symptoms.

Fact. Genital herpes can be spread to a sex partner even when you have no symptoms. This is how most new cases of genital herpes are spread.

2. A person can have genital herpes and not even know it.

Fact. The genital herpes virus can be active in a person's body even though they have no symptoms. That's why out of the 50 million Americans who have genital herpes, 90% don't even realize they are infected with the virus and may unknowingly infect others.

3. You can get genital herpes from toilet seats.

Myth. The genital herpes virus is a fragile virus that dries out when it is exposed to air. There have been no proven cases of genital herpes transmission from a toilet seat.

4. If you have genital herpes, you can never have sex again.

Myth. While you should always use a condom for extra protection, you can still have sex if you have genital herpes. But it is important to avoid sexual contact if you have any sores (oral or genital) or symptoms. Also, even if sores are not present, you could still be contagious because of asymptomatic viral shedding. Even when you are asymptomatic, you should use a condom for extra protection. (Please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you're allergic to latex.) Even though condoms have been shown to reduce transmission, they are not always effective.

Source: http://www.famvir.com/info/genital-herpes-facts.jsp

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Conditions Confused with Herpes

Listed below are some other conditions sometimes mistaken for herpes:

Bacterial or yeast infections

do not usually produce blistering

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)

are gray with a distinct edge

usually occur inside the mouth

usually heal within 10-14 days without treatment

Impetigo

is a highly infectious bacterial disease

often produces crusty blisters

is more common among children


Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum)

like herpes, molluscum is a viral infection of the skin

unlike herpes, molluscum produces lesions that are raised, with a central dimple

Syphilis

is a bacterial infection

causes chancres sometimes mistaken for blisters caused by genital herpes

Unlike genital herpes, Syphilis does not usually produce a cluster of blisters, and it usually responds well to antibiotics.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Handbook

Genital Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Genital herpes infection is very common and on the increase in the United States.

Nationwide 45 million people aged 12 and older (1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population) are infected with HSV-2.

It is more common in women (1 out of 4) than in men (1 out of 5) possibly because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission.

HSV-2 infection is also more common in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, facing fundamental issues of health such as:

access to quality health care

poverty

living in communities with a high prevalence of STDs

illicit drug use

The Herpes Virus

HSV-type 1
causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes)

HSV-type 2
typically affects the genital area (genital herpes)

Both viral types can:

be inactive or 'silent' causing no symptoms

cause either genital or oral infections

cause 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers

People can remain infected for life after the first initial episode.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Vaginal Herpes

The fact is herpes is more common in women than in men. Moreover, herpes affects one woman out of every four! It's estimated that over half a million new cases of the herpes simplex virus occur every year.

Some of the earliest symptoms can include:
· An itching or burning sensation
· Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
· Vaginal discharge
· A feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdominal area
A few days following the initial symptoms, sores or lesions erupt at the site of the infection. These sores can occur inside the vagina or on the cervix in women, as well as in the urinary passage in both men and women.

Herpes lesions may first appear as small red bumps that develop into blisters which become painful, open sores. After several days these sores become crusted and then heal without scarring.

The first episode of genital herpes can also include symptoms such as:
· fever
· headache
· muscle aches
· urinary pain or difficulty
· swollen glands in the groin area.

After genital herpes invades the skin or mucous membranes, the virus travels to the sensory nerves at the end of the spinal cord where it remains inside the nerve cells in an inactive state. Most people experience a monthly recurrence of symptoms. During a recurrent episode of genital herpes the virus travels along the nerves to the skin where it multiplies at or near the site of the original herpes lesions, causing new sores to appear.

There are three drugs currently available to treat genital herpes. However, these medications are not cures. Pharmaceutical treatment of genital herpes may shorten the length of first episodes and reduce the severity and frequency of recurrent episodes. These drugs are:
· Zoviraz (acyclovir),
· Famvir (famciclovir),
· Valtrex (valacyclovir).

Zoviraz is useful for first and recurrent episodes of herpes, while Famvir and Valtrex are approved by the FDA to treat recurrent episodes.

Patients can help speed healing and avoid spreading the infection by following a few simple steps during periods of active herpes:

· Keep the infected area clean and dry.
· Don't touch the sores; if you do wash your hands immediately.
· Refrain from sex from the time you first notice symptoms until sores/lesions are completely healed and covered by new skin.

Recurrent episodes of herpes can be triggered by minor trauma, other infections including colds, menstruation, and stress.

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/herpesgenital1/a/genitalherpes_3.htm

Photos: www.flickr.com

Genital Herpes Transmissions

Ways of Transmission

Herpes transmission is caused by close oral, anal, or genital contact, including intercourse, masturbation, kissing, or any direct skin-to-skin contact which allows for the transfer of bodily fluids.

A person is considered contagious when prodromal symptoms, active sores, and healing lesions are present.

Herpes is potentially contagious when no symptoms are present. That is, a person who has genital herpes is potentially always shedding active virus.

Approximately 1 in 6 members of the general infected population is thought to shed active virus occasionally without symptoms.

Some people do not get typical blister-like sores but harbor active virus in their saliva, vaginal, or penile secretions, and can shed the virus without knowing they have herpes.

Lesions can occur deep inside the vagina where they cannot be seen or felt, but can readily transmit the virus.

An uninfected individual has about a 75% chance of contracting herpes during intimate contact with someone actively shedding virus.

Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa. Symptoms are similar.

Auto-inoculation

An infected individual can spread the herpes virus to other parts of his or her body by touching an area shedding virus and then touching, scratching, or rubbing another susceptible part of the body. Towels are especially conducive to this.

WARNING!

It is possible for a person to contract genital herpes if the partner with oral herpes performs oral sex. Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa. Symptoms are similar.

Environmental surfaces like toilet seats may be a source of contagion, but there is no evidence that this poses a real threat to the general population. Experts differ as to how long the virus can survive on its own. The primary cause of infection remains intimate contact.

www.herpes.com

Photos: www.flickr.com

The Symptoms of Genital Herpes

The symptoms of genital herpes vary from person to person. Some people have severe symptoms, such as many painful sores, while others have mild symptoms.

An initial outbreak of genital herpes usually brings about symptoms within two weeks of having sexual contact with an infected person and can last from two to three weeks. The early symptoms can include:

• an itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area


• flu-like symptoms, including fever


• swollen glands


• pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area


• vaginal discharge


• a feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach
  
  
  
  

Within a few days, sores (also called lesions) show up where the virus has entered the body, such as on the mouth, penis, or vagina.

Sores can also show up on a woman’s cervix, which is the opening to the uterus or womb, or in the urinary passage in men. The sores are small red bumps that may turn into blisters or painful open sores. Over a period of days, the sores become crusted and then heal without scarring.

Other later symptoms of genital herpes may include:

• small red bumps on the penis, vagina, or wherever the infection began. These bumps may become blisters or painful open sores that can take up to four weeks to heal.


• itching or burning in the genital area


• pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area


• vaginal discharge


• feeling pressure or discomfort around your stomach


• fever


• headache


• muscle aches


• pain when urinating


• swollen glands in the genital area

Some people may have no symptoms – but they can still spread herpes! Sometimes only very mild sores appear, but are mistaken for an insect bite or other skin problems.

If you have HIV, a genital herpes infection can be worse.If you have herpes, do not have any sexual activity with someone who does not have herpes when you have sores or other symptoms of herpes. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still pass the virus to others.

Photos: www.flickr.com

Genital Herpes: Ways of Transmission and Symptoms

Ways of Genital Herpes Transmission

As I've mentioned before, there are two herpes viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. These herpes viruses can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause. It's natural and quite understandable.

But the most terrible is that these herpes viruses also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to be broken or to have a sore!

Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 herpes infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 herpes infection. But keep in mind that transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not even know that he or she is infected! In this case the infected partner can't warn about his or her disease!

HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called "fever blisters." HSV-1 herpes infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genital HSV-1 herpes outbreaks recur less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks.

So HSV-2 herpes infection is much more dangerous.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Unfortunately, most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their genital herpes infection. However, if genital herpes signs and symptoms occur during the first outbreak, they can be quite pronounced.

The first genital herpes outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted, and the sores typically heal within two to four weeks. Other genital herpes signs and symptoms during the primary episode may include a second crop of sores, and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands.

However, most persons with HSV-2 genital herpes infection may never have sores, or they may have very mild signs that they do not even notice or that they mistake for insect bites or another skin condition.

Most people diagnosed with a first episode of genital herpes can expect to have several (typically four or five) outbreaks (symptomatic recurrences) within a year. Over time these recurrences usually decrease in frequency.

Source: http://cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/

My feelings about having herpes

Frankly speaking I feel not good about having herpes. I think it's quite natural and you can understand me.

Yes, I know that many people feel guilty or ashamed when they find out they have such awful disease as herpes. I did. I felt bad, I was really upset.

But… Just think: you are not alone! There are millions people having herpes and they live with this thought somehow. Besides, you can control herpes and reduce outbreaks occurrencies.

Herpes and sex life: 2 rules

But what about your sex life? How not to hurt your loved partner?

The first rule is not to have sex during outbreaks.

The second rule is to use condoms at other times, between outbreaks, when you feel good.

Of course, be honest and tell your sex partner about your problem. “Yes. I have herpes, that’s it! But I love you and don’t want to hurt you.”

Anyway, you should avoid having sex if you have any sores. Herpes can spread from one person to another very easily when sores are present.

Another reason to avoid sex when sores are present is that sores make it easier to catch the AIDS virus.

You should use condoms every time you have sex. Condoms can only help reduce the risk of spreading herpes if they cover all the infected skin.

Don’t be upset! You are not alone!

http://familydoctor.org/

Photo: http://www.flick.com/

Genital herpes: Just Facts

There are good and bad news about genital herpes.

The bad ones:

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Yes, that’s it, unfortunately! This STD is caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Moreover, there are 2 types of HSV viruses — type 1 and type 2. I think that one type would be enough... But most genital herpes is caused by HSV type 2.

Suprisingly, most people have no or minimal symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection! But when symptoms do occur, they usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving ulcers or tender sores that may take up to four weeks to heal. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months later. Oh dear…

Now the relatively good news, at last:
helas, the infection can stay in the body forever, BUT the number of outbreaks usually decreases over a period of years! It’s better, is it not?

But don’t remember: you can pass genital herpes to someone else even when you experience no symptoms! So please care for your loved partners.

Just Figures

About 45 million Americans, age 12 and older have genital herpes. It’s estimated that up to one million people become infected each year!

Genital Herpes (HSV-2) is more common in women than men. So, women, take care!

Just think about it. I consider this statistics is awesome. We have to do something!

http://www.4women.gov/FAQ/stdherpe.htm
Photo: www.flickr.com

Symptoms of herpes

Many individuals infected with herpes never have any symptoms and do not know they are infected. The initial herpes infection may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen glands (lymph nodes), in addition to blisters and ulcers on and around the genitals, thighs, buttocks, and anus or on the lips, mouth, throat, tongue, and gums.

Lesions may also be found within the vagina and on the cervix. In the case of genital infection, there may also be pain and itching where the sore is located or burning with urination. These blisters eventually crust over, form a scab, and heal, usually within 1-3 weeks.

Once the initial infection has resolved, some people experience outbreaks of genital blisters, ulcers, or small sores, which can occur on the penis, vulva, anus, buttocks, and/or thighs. Itching and tingling in the genitals are often an early warning sign that an outbreak is soon to occur. The frequency and severity of outbreaks varies from one person to the next.

Sores that occur during outbreaks generally last 3-7 days and are not as painful as those of the initial infection, and systemic symptoms are rare. However, some people may experience recurrent, painful genital ulcers. In addition, people with suppressed immune systems may experience severe, persistent ulcers.

What triggers a herpes outbreak?

If you have herpes sometimes outbreaks occur. Why? What’s a reason?

Unfortunately, outbreaks of herpes can be triggered by a number of factors, including:

• Stress
  


• Sunlight
  


• Sickness or fever
  


• Certain types of foods or beverages (including peanuts, alcohol, and coffee).
  

Can infection with herpes lead to other health problems?

Although genital herpes usually causes mild symptoms, some people may experience recurrent painful genital ulcers, which can be especially severe in people with suppressed immune systems. Like other STIs, herpes may also increase the risk for transmitting or acquiring HIV infection.

Be healthy!

http://www.herpes.com/
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes risk factors

There are some risk factors for herpes.

In general they are connected with sex and sexual partners.

Herpes risk factors include:

• unsafe sex
• having sex with more than one partner
• having sex with someone who has multiple sex partners.

So be careful having sex!

How can you protect yourself from getting herpes?

The chance of becoming infected with herpes can be reduced by avoiding risky sexual behaviors.

To reduce your risk:

• Use latex or polyurethane condoms during sex. While this may help reduce the risk of transmission, transmission may still occur if herpes lesions are on parts of the body not covered by the condom.

• Limit the number of your sex partners.

• Avoid any contact with a partner who has sores until the sores are completely healed.

• Avoid having sex until the sores are fully healed or use a male or female condom during anal, oral, or vaginal sex. However, transmission can still occur if the condom does not cover the sores.

• Avoid having sex just before or during an outbreak, since the risk for transmission is highest at that time. If possible, encourage your partner to let you know at the first sign(s) of an outbreak so that you both can avoid sex then.

• If possible, ask any potential sexual partners if they have ever had a herpes outbreak, and encourage them to see a health care provider or clinic for more information—even if they do not have any symptoms.

Be healthy and happy!

www.herpes.com

Photo: www.flickr.com

Herpes and pregnancy

But what to do if you are pregnant? How herpes influences pregnant woman? Let’s try to study this problem.

Unfortunately, it’s possible that an infected woman can pass herpes to her baby. The chance of giving herpes to the baby is highest if the initial infection occurs near the time of delivery.

The herpes virus can be transmitted to the baby in utero or during passage through an infected birth canal. First-time infection during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of miscarriage, decreased fetal growth, and preterm labor. About 30-50% of infants who are born vaginally to a mother with first-time infection become infected with the herpes virus. Of babies born to women experiencing recurrent herpes at the time of birth, 1-4% become infected with the virus.

If a woman is having an active outbreak of genital herpes at the time of delivery, the baby will usually be delivered by cesarean section to prevent transmission of herpes.

Of infants infected with herpes at birth, 30-60% die within the first month. Survivors may have long-term complications such as mental retardation and seizures.



To prevent transmission of herpes to their babies, pregnant women should discuss any past history of herpes with their health care providers and take adequate measures to prevent infection during pregnancy. The risk of herpes can be reduced during pregnancy by:

• Avoiding sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, and oral) during the last three months of pregnancy if your partner is known to have or suspected of having genital herpes.

• Avoiding receptive oral sex during the last three months of pregnancy if your partner is known to have or suspected of having herpes sores on the mouth, tongue, gum, or lips.

http://www.herpes.com/
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/

More about Genital Herpes Spreading

Hi everybody! I’d like to add some words about genital herpes spreading because it’s very important point.

Unfortunately, genital herpes is spread very easily. Because of contact with an infected person the herpes virus can penetrate to your body through any break!

It could be break in your skin or the skin of your mouth, penis or vagina, urinary tract opening, cervix or anus. You can think that herpes is spread when it’s evident that the person is infected, e.g. the herpes symptoms are evident and obvious. Helas it’s not the case.

Of course herpes is most easily spread when it’s on the active stage of disease, when you can see blisters or sores on the body of infected individual. But the very bad news is that it can be spread at any time! Imagine, in any time! Even when there aren't any symptoms!

As I’ve mentioned already, genital herpes is usually spread from one person to another during sexual contact. It’s about any sex, including oral and anal sex. Herpes can also be spread from one place on your body to another: from your genitals to your fingers! Then it could be transmitted to other parts of your body! To your face, lips, eyes!

By the way, to the attention of pregnant women: remember that herpes virus can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during delivery!

More about herpes and pregnancy read in my next post… To be continued.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

How Did You Get Herpes?

Perhaps from time to time you ask himself or herself: how did it happen? How did I get this awful disease?

I’ve found out that herpes spreads through intimate skin contact with an infected person. The bad news is that the virus transmission can occur when the infected person does not even have any visual symptoms of herpes – blisters or ulcers or some other things like that! Some people may never have any symptoms and may not know that they are infected with the herpes virus at all! Unfortunately they can still transmit the herpes virus to others people.

Do you like kissing? I think so because it’s so pleasant. So am I but… Do you know that oral herpes can be spread through kissing??? Terrible!

So I thing everything is clear about oral herpes. But what about more awful disease? I mean genital herpes…

It’s natural that genital herpes is transmitted through sexual contact. Remember, any sexual contact! Vaginal, anal, oral! Can you imagine that the virus can be transmitted from oral to genital regions and vice versa during oral sex??? But that is the case.

So what to do? You have to be careful of course in order to protect yourself. But if the herpes virus transmission has happened already… Keep reading!

Photo: www.flickr.com

Could You Get Rid of Herpes?

Any person having herpes ask himself or herself: could I get rid of it?

Unfortunately, you can’t get rid of herpes. Once you have herpes, the virus stays in your body for the lifetime. And from time to time you will have outbreaks. The truth is that there is no cure for herpes!

But there are some drugs that can be effective! They can reduce the frequency, shorten duration of herpes and even stop outbreaks. So we have to use good medicines and of course to consult with doctors. The science is developing and maybe tomorrow scientists could discover new effective drugs that could ultimately cure herpes!

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

About Herpes

One day I’ve found I have herpes. I was very upset. It was awful and so painful and I didn’t know what to do. Now I know that herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Moreover, there are two subtypes if the virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. In fact, Herpes is the name of a group of viruses. These viruses cause terrible diseases: HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause blisters and ulcers on the mouth, face and genitals, or around the anus.

There are two kinds of herpes. One kind, herpes simplex, causes both cold sores around the mouth and genital herpes (herpes around the sexual organs). The second one, herpes zoster, causes chickenpox and shingles.

But the most terrible thing is that once you are infected with herpes, it’s forever! Doctor says that any infected person remains infected for the whole life! Of course, it’s bad news. But there is also good news: the herpes virus can be "latent" or "not active" and not causing diseases for long periods of time!

So things are not so bad. We have to fight for healthy life! Let’s do it together!

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes. What to do?

Hi! It's my first post to my blog about herpes, herpes treatment, genital herpes, herpes symptoms and what to do with it! It's my own and my friends' experience. To be continued!

Photo: www.flickr.com