Unusual Facts and Myths About Herpes

Herpes affects a lot of people, but because it is so personal, it is not talked about a lot. Talking about in a restricted manner, like it is a taboo subject, leads to misconceptions, myths, and half truths. This article will present some facts about herpes and a few myths too.

The fact is about 20 percent of adult males have herpes, and about 25 percent of adult females has herpes. The reason more females have herpes is because women are more susceptible to getting it because the female genitals have more areas with cells that are moist with body fluids than men. This means if a woman has sexual intercourse with a man with herpes, she is more likely to get it than a man who has sexual intercourse with a woman who has herpes.

More people in New York City have herpes than the national average. It is not likely that anyone can say conclusively why this is so, but a logical assumption would be that there is more promiscuity there than the national average. A myth is that condoms provide complete protection against the spread of genital herpes. The fact is condoms provide only partial protection from herpes virus infections. Condoms reduce the risk, but they do not entirely remove the risk. This is because condoms cannot cover all the areas where the herpes virus may be present.

Here is a myth: Herpes is a dangerous infection that only affects people with very active sex lives, or people who are very promiscuous. The fact is herpes affects people of all backgrounds, income levels, education levels and ethnic groups. People with very few sex partners can get herpes. And regarding the danger, for most people the symptoms are so mild that about half the people with herpes do not even know they have it. It cannot cause death, unless it is a complication in a more serious infection, especially with someone with a severely compromised immune system.

Fact: In the heat of the moment, about 32% of people with herpes will lie about it and say they do not have herpes. For this reason it is better to plan in advance to be honest, and bring the subject up before going that far. And it is a myth that oral sex is safe sex. Cold sores, which are a form of herpes, can be transmitted from the lips to the genitals, and vice versa.

Here is a myth about monogamous relationships: If you are in a monogamous relationship and you get herpes, then your partner must have cheated on you. The truth is you or your partner may have contracted the virus a long time ago, and the symptoms may have been so mild, or misdiagnosed as something else, that you or your partner did not know you had it. But due to stress or other factors, you or your partner had a more severe outbreak, and then either of you infected the other. This is a possibility, however, there is also a good chance that your partner cheated on you.

And lastly, it is most unlikely that herpes can be transmitted by a toilet seat. There are no known proven cases of someone getting herpes from a toilet seat.

The fact is anybody can get herpes, and the question is, if you have herpes, what are you going to do about it, and what are you going to do about getting on with your life? I have had herpes for over 16 years, and now I help others learn how to prevent outbreaks, and have relationships with herpes. I offer a free service where I answer questions about herpes by email. You can visit my website to ask a question about herpes, and learn how you can prevent outbreaks: http://www.herpes-herbs.com/

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The Myths And Facts Of STDs

Today, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are the most common infectious diseases in the United States, with at least 25 different types affecting both men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

Types of STD

The many types of sexually transmitted diseases fall into three basic categories depending on the organism that causes them, which are either parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Bacterial STD, and the parasitic types, such as pubic lice or trichonomiasis, are able to be cured using medicine with an early diagnosis, but permanent damage such as scarring may still result. Many viral STD can never be cured, although some, such as herpes, can be treated or controlled with medication to reduce signs and symptoms.

Some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases today are:

- Chlamydia: The most common of all bacterial STD, and often referred to as "the silent STD" as there are usually no early warning symptoms for many people. Others may experience genital discharges, low-grade fevers, or painful intercourse, and or urination. Chlamydia, which is spread by any type of unprotected sex, is curable with antibiotic medication.

- Gonorrhea: Caused by a bacterium that thrives in moist, warm areas of the body, gonorrhea is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. With proper usage, condoms offer some protection against contracting gonorrhea, which is treatable with antibiotics administered either orally or via injection.

- Syphilis: Today, syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, such as penicillin, although this STD was once potentially fatal. Spread through any sexual contact, syphilis causes sores or open ulcers on the genitalia or mouth.

- Herpes: Herpes is spread through skin-on-skin contact and causes painful sores, itching, and flu-like symptoms. There is no cure for herpes and it is frequently contracted through contact with an infected person who has no visible symptoms.

- Human Papilloma virus (HPV): Genital warts, which may cause no outward symptoms, must be removed through freezing, laser treatment, or through the use of antiviral drugs. HPV is spread through sexual contact and may be detected during a gynecological examination.

- HIV/AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and currently, more than one million people in America are living with either HIV or AIDS. Flu-like symptoms are the most common, and there is no cure for AIDS, although several medications are used to slow the disease's progression.

Preventing an STD

Unfortunately, many people, teenagers in particular, never fully realize the risks involved with having unprotected sex and do not take measures to protect themselves. For example, an adolescent female is especially susceptible to certain diseases due to the fact that their cervix isn't yet fully developed, leaving the immature cells prone to becoming infected.

The 4 Most Common Myths About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

1. Myth: You can't get an STD if you have oral sex.

Fact: This myth is one that's most often believed by misguided teenagers and often results in contracting an STD. The three ways that STD are spread are through vaginal and anal sex, as well as through oral sex.

2. Myth: Taking The Pill will protect you from some STD.

Fact: This particular myth is perhaps one of the most dangerous of all, and more than likely the reason for many new cases of STD every day. While taking the birth control pill may help to drastically reduce the chances of pregnancy, it does not protect against any type of sexually transmitted disease whatsoever.

3. Myth: You can only get herpes when your partner has a visible outbreak.

Fact: The fact is, the virus that causes genital herpes is actually transmissible for several days before any visible signs of an outbreak even appear. Also, while condoms do provide some protection from some other sexually transmitted diseases, the areas where herpes blisters are usually present aren't protected or covered by a condom.

4. Myth: I have no signs of an STD, so I must not have one.

Fact: If you are having unprotected sex, there's always the possibility of contracting an STD. Some people, especially many women, do not show any signs of a sexually transmitted disease, or mistake them for some other condition, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

10 Quick Facts of STD

- An estimated 65 million people are currently living with an STD in the US alone.

- There are roughly 15 million new cases of STD each and every year.

- One out of every four new cases of an STD occurs in a teenager.

- One out of every four Americans is infected with genital herpes.

- 80% of all people with genital herpes are unaware that they are even infected.

- Over the course of their lifetime, one out of every four Americans will contract an STD.

- Up to 15% of female infertility and 12% of male infertility cases are caused by an STD that was left untreated.

- Some STD in women may cause cervical cancer.

- A woman may pass an STD on to her unborn child during the delivery, or shortly after giving birth.

- It is possible to become infected with more than one sexually transmitted disease at a time.

The facts of STD are undeniable so always use caution. Although condoms offer some protection from STD, abstinence, or a completely monogamous relationship between two people who are not infected are the best ways of protecting yourself from contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

N. Curtis has written dozens of health articles and is the author of the Amazingly Informative and Extremely Entertaining Free Special Health Report "It's Your Body, You Can Die If You Want To!" Check it out now at http://www.youcandieifyouwantto.com/

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Let’s talk about Herpes: Facts vs myths

Monday, September 5, 2011

MELISSA (real name withheld upon request), a freshman college student of a sectarian academic institution, sought consultation at the school clinic for complaints of burning sores and blisters on her lips. Upon initial inspection by the school physician, she was informed without further explanation that her case would have to be referred to a specialist.

Puzzled yet decided, she went to a specialist and was diagnosed with herpes, a form of venereal disease.

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Venereal disease, as defined by medical literatures, is an umbrella term for a host of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or sexually transmitted infections (STI).

According to medical linguists, the latter term is preferred over the previous as other infected patients may have concealed clinical manifestations or symptoms but do not necessarily make them less contagious.

During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, the euphemistic term “venereal disease” was used universally to pertain to STIs associating the disease to Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love.

In a medical anthropologic perspective, this is explained by the belief that the “act of lovemaking” is the sole cause for such morbidity.

However, this previous belief is dispelled by contemporary literatures extending the possibility of contracting it with non-sexual behaviors like sharing of intravenous needles.

In the eye of a sociologist, venereal diseases may be euphemistically termed as a “social infirmity,” as conscious human behaviours -- promiscuity, concubinage and philandering -- dictate the susceptibility of a person or group of persons in contracting such a disease.

According to an online medical dictionary, the microbiologic causes of venereal diseases may range from a bacterial, fungal, protozoal and parasitic to a viral organism.

Since the medical jargon venereal disease is an umbrella term, one of the diseases it describes is what is known as “Herpes.”

“Herpes or Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a viral disease caused by both herpes simplex virus 1 and 2,” as explained in the book entitled “The Textbook of Venereal Diseases.”

It maintains that of the two, HSV 1 is associated with infections of the mouth, lips and face and it’s the most common herpes occurring in childhood.

On the other hand, it says that HSV 2, although may share symptoms with HSV1, may remain asymptomatic, meaning no symptoms for certain individuals.

According to Dr. Carol Porth, author of the famed book Pathophysiology: “HSV 1 is associated with cold sores in the mouth while HSV 2 is to genital herpes.”

Dr. Porth explains that both HSV1 and HSV2 are known as Neurotropic viruses, meaning they grow in the neurons of the affected individual even in the absence of signs and symptoms.

She says the incubation period for HSV is two to 10 days.

“The virus can remain dormant for a long period of time until something triggers it although the mechanism is still poorly understood,” she said.

Health experts claim that the symptoms of herpes include tingling, itching and pain on the site of infection. This is then followed by an eruption of small pustules and vesicles. Upon eruption, the broken skin is excruciatingly painful to touch.

“Untreated infections are usually self-limiting and may last approximately two to four weeks. However, recurrence is always a possibility,” says Dr. Amanda Patterson, an American Obstetrician.

According to pathologists, the diagnosis of herpes is based on the symptoms, appearance of lesions and identification of virus.

“There is no known cure for HSV and the modes of treatment are largely symptomatic,” Dr. Patterson emphasized.

“Topical treatment with antibacterial soaps, lotions and ultraviolet lights have been tried but with little success,” Dr. Porth adds.

Some experts suggest the use of cool compress, sitz bath, topical anesthetics and oral analgesics.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that good hygiene is essential to prevent secondary infection. An example would be meticulous hand washing and to avoid hand to eye contact as it can cause blindness once herpes infects the eyes.

On the other hand, despite the advancement in medical knowledge and research, the so-called “old myths” or “folk beliefs” surrounding STDs still flourish in this era.

The following are examples of myths related to herpes: (1) A person can usually predict when their herpes may be contagious; (2) Condoms provide complete protection against spreading genital herpes; (3) Only promiscuous people get genital herpes; (4) Genital herpes can only be transmitted via penetrative sex; (5) Herpes can be transmitted via inanimate objects; (6) If you are in a monogamous relationship and get genital herpes, your partner must be cheating on you.

To counter such myths, the following are the collective answers of medical experts: (1) The herpes virus can be active on the surface of the skin without showing any signs or causing any symptoms; (2) Condoms cannot totally protect anyone from herpes; it only reduces the risk; (3) Genital herpes can affect anyone however; the number of sexual partners is not a reliable factor in contracting the disease as, contrary to other STDs, genital herpes persists indefinitely and can be transmitted for many years, perhaps for life; (4) Genital Herpes can be transmitted via oral, anal and vaginal sex. The majority of transmission occurs when the blisters or sores are invisible; (5) Inanimate objects cannot harbor herpes as the virus would need a break in the skin in order to penetrate and it cannot survive without a live host; (6) You or your partner may have contracted the virus from a sexual partner a long time ago, or, you or your partner may have had genital herpes all along without knowing it. Herpes outbreaks can occur with very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.

As for Melissa, she was certain she had not had any sexual encounters for the past month. She exerts that her boyfriend had not manifested any related symptoms and that they had a monogamous relationship.

She has been prescribed with a vitamin supplement, a number of antiviral tablets and an antiviral topical cream to be applied on her lips at least four times a day.

To save you all the troubles, always remember that prevention is better than cure. (Comments may be sent to polo.journalist@gmail.com)

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on September 06, 2011.

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Coping With Herpes Diagnosis - Depression, Dating, Relationships & Myths Dispelled

A herpes diagnosis can send even the most well balanced individual into an emotional tailspin of depression. It is an incurable disease and although it isn't deadly, and considered a mere annoyance to the medical community - carries a taboo throughout all of society. Chances are you feel incredibly lonely, isolated, dirty - and angry. If you are single, you're also concerned about your chances of having a healthy and fulfilling love life as well. Depression is a very natural reaction to have when you suffer from the herpes virus - but now is the time to educate yourself and learn what it is that you can do to overcome these feelings and live a normal life.

Top Herpes Myths Dispelled:

1. I can't have children: This is absolutely 100% FALSE. The herpes simplex virus will not prevent you from having children, nor can you pass on the disease to your children in utero or during the conception process. HSV type 1 (oral) and type 2 (genital) are contracted via skin to skin contact. This is why many in the medical community consider the virus to be more of a dermatological disease, even though it is often passed through sexual contact. You will contract herpes through seminal fluid, vaginal fluid or blood. If you are a man, you can still reproduce - and if you are a woman, you can still conceive. It is important that your doctor knows your status ahead of time because most often, a woman with genital herpes will be given a Cesarean section (c-section) instead of having a vaginal birth to reduce the chances of the child coming into contact with the virus in the vaginal canal.

2. I can't donate blood: FALSE! The inability to donate blood is another common misconception associated with the herpes virus. Let me state once again - the herpes simplex virus is not a blood-based virus. When you contract herpes, oral or genital, it "lives" within the nervous system of the body. If you have oral - it generally rests in the base of the neck, when you have genital - it rests in the base of your spine. When dormant, it just kind of lays there - harmless, but when active - it travels via the nervous system to it's outbreak location. According to the Red Cross and all medical studies, donating blood when you have HSV is perfectly safe. They ask that you avoid doing so when having your initial outbreak or even subsequent recurrent outbreaks.

3. I can no longer work around or hang around kids: FALSE! The guilt and depression associated with the virus tends to cause some sufferers to withdraw from the world. They feel that they are the most disgusting person around and go through great lengths to avoid interacting with people, especially children. Once again - stop beating yourself up! The chances of casually transmitting the virus to children are very slim. Did you know that an estimated 75% of the U.S. population has some form of HSV - for the large majority it is type 1, oral herpes. Don't allow your diagnosis to cause you to stop living your best life possible. Now the virus is passed from skin to skin contact, so common sense hygiene practices are in order when dealing with the public. Keep your hands clean, avoid touching any sores during outbreaks, and keep your hands away from your mouth and eyes.

4. My sex life is over: Herpes will undoubtedly change your sex life, but it is far from over. You will definitely need to be careful, more responsible - and less spontaneous...but you can have a full happy sex life. You aren't limited to the type of sex you have either, you are just limited in the ability to be "carefree". This can be a good thing though - so don't fret.

5. No one will want a serious relationship with me: FALSE! I won't try to paint a rosy picture of easy dating and acceptance by everyone you come across. Relationships aren't easy to begin with, and that is even more true when you have an incurable disease of any sort.There are some people who will reject you without even giving you the benefit of the doubt. Others may give you a chance, only to later decide that they don't want to take that risk. You may also decide that you rather only date other people with herpes, if that is the case - there are thousands and thousands of people waiting to meet you. There a several great online dating sites for people with the herpes virus - including PositiveSingles.com and MPWH.net

Have you struggled with relationships since being diagnosed with genital herpes? Herpes doesn't signal the end of your love life. As managing editor of YouGotHerpes.com, I give practical tips and advice on how to have a fulfilling and meaningful love life after herpes.

Visit us today for your FREE E-BOOK on The Truth About Herpes Treatments and For the best tips on herpes dating sites, visit us today at Herpes Dating Sites

http://www.YouGotHerpes.com
Yours In Health & Wellness!