Remember that movie named Mask with Cher and the kid with the elephant man disease? Geez, imagine being born that way and having to face the world each and every day with a disfigured face? Imagine the heartache and pain that this poor kid suffered? Obviously, having a herpes sore on your lip is nowhere near the existential agony that this poor kid had to go through, but some people infected with herpes do feel ostracized and singled-out for comments and ridicule. If you are engaging in any form of sexual activity, remember how important regular and routine testing is to keeping yourself as healthy and happy as possible.
Why put yourself in the position of having your behavior written on your body for all to see? There's no good reason, especially when STD clinics are so up-to-date and good at what they do; that is, testing and treating all forms of sexual illness. Growing up with a cold sore breaking out once a year was bad enough. Feigning illness as to not go to school, embarrassed at the crass remarks that would be hurled your way. T'was a tad torturous, to tell the truth.
For anyone engaging in sex, listen up. It's time to take the bull by the horns and get responsible for your health. Sure, at the beginning of your sex life it's hard to see that this comes with the territory. But it does and you're better off realizing that now, before you become infected with something like herpes that can change your life forever.
Genital herpes is something that cannot be hidden from a lover. They are also unsightly and painful. STD testing on a regular basis can keep you abreast of your health situation and alert you to any detrimental disease that you may have acquired during your sexual shenanigans. You owe it to your lover-if not yourself-to make sure that you are as healthy as possible. Protection is the way to go. But too many times, too many of us neglect that fact when in the throes of passion (ie: horny!)
Let's take a look at herpes and their diagnosis and treatment:
What are herpes exactly? Well, herpes is a collection of similar viruses (remember that viruses CANNOT be cured but only kept under control). The most common herpes viruses are HSV 1 and HSV 2. The HSV stands for "Herpes Simplex Virus" with the former being oral herpes and latter being genital herpes.
What are the symptoms? As mentioned earlier in this article, the symptoms are a series of blisters that break and scab over causing painful sores.
Does everyone who is infected show signs and symptoms? Surprisingly the answer to this question is "no." Many people are infected with the virus and do not break out in sores. These infected individuals may still infect others who WILL break out in sores. This is another reason why herpes testing so important for everyone having sexual relations.
What is the testing procedure? There are several different tests for herpes. They include the herpes viral culture, the herpes antigen test and the polymerase chain reaction test. It may all sound very confusing but it is not. Still, it is only at a certified STD Clinic that the doctor can choose the best test for you, administer it, and get you the results quickly. If you test positive the doctor can offer the best choice of treatment, as well.
What are the treatments? Again, because herpes is a virus and not bacteria, once you are infected, there is no getting rid of it totally. The best a doctor can do is to keep your symptoms (the painful sores) from forming with any regularity. Thankfully, there are medicines available today that make this possible.
For those of you located in the NYC area, log onto Herpes testing NYC to arrange and appointment with this discreet and highly regarded STD Clinic Dial 1-212-696-5900 for more information and remember that testing for all STDs is your best bet for remaining healthy and happy.
