What are some important things to know about genital herpes?

What are some important things to know about genital herpes?

you can get it even if you use protection and the person has no symptoms. It never goes away totally and can only be treated, and can be very painful.Okay, let's deal with FACTS, which I'm sure you want to know!

You can reduce the chances of becoming infected to just 1% PER YEAR by:
-Her taking antiviral suppressive therapy (like acyclovir)
-You wearing a condom
-Avoiding sex during an outbreak and for 3-5 days after.

Your chances of becoming infected with HSV-1 (oral herpes) via oral sex from someone who is infected but shows no symptoms is even higher, because about 80% of the people in the US have oral herpes, 56% of teens do, and by age 50, 90% test positive! FAR FEWER people have genital herpes-HSV-2!

Now, in reality the chance of becoming infected is LESS than it would be in the regular dating world where people are NOT inclined to tell you their STD status! Further, a lot of people do have herpes--and never have any symptom whatsoever that they are infected. In fact, a friend recently learned he was infected with genital herpes--and has never had any outbreaks or symptoms whatsoever.

There are MANY couples who have been married for 15 years or more and the partner is STILL negative for herpes!

I'm enclosing a couple of sources for you that will shoot straight: 1) The Herpes Handbook produced by the Westover Heights STD Clinic. GREAT info on risks and prevention. NOT spam--totally free!

The other links I'm enclosing are for Shut Up And Post, a community for those with herpes and other STDs--and partners! It is monitored by "yoshi," a US mom who has been married for over 15 years and her husband is STILL HSV-free! It's ALSO free--not spam--and you will find LOTS of people in long-term relationships and married to HSV-positive folks! There are also medical folks who drop in and answer questions for you as well.

The first Shut Up and Post link is for the message board--sign up ANONYMOUSLY, cruise the message boards on topics you need to know, and post questions of your own...you can even send e-mails. The THIRD link is for the front page to Shut Up and Post, quick info and stories that will help answer a lot of your questions and relieve some of your reservations. Your girlfriend may find the info helpful, too!

Hope this helps!

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