If you are sexually intimate with a person who has herpes simplex II, or genital herpes there are a few things that you should know about herpes transmission.

The herpes simplex viruses are transmitted through skin to skin contact. It is not a blood borne virus, it lays dormant in the nervous system, and when it is triggered it rises to the surface. This is known as a herpes outbreak. Genital herpes outbreaks can look like anything from puss filled sores, to small open wounds. They can occur inside the vagina, on the scrotum, pelvis, the inner thigh, buttocks or lower back. Herpes sores can be big enough to see visibly, but they can also be be small as a pin point and barely noticeable to the human eye.

Now that you understand what a genital herpes outbreak is and the ways it can appear – you should realize that the answer to your question is simply yes – you can still get herpes even if you wear a condom and the person has no visible signs of an outbreak.

If you are in a relationship with a person who has genital herpes and are considering being sexually intimate with them, it is important for you to have a honest discussion about what types of medications they take. While condoms can reduce your risk, it is not a fool proof method of prevention. In order to protect yourself, your partner should commit to taking daily suppressive therapy like Valtrex. Studies have shown that using condoms combined with daily suppressive therapy will reduce your risk to under two to five percent.

Unfortunately, many of those infected with Herpes simply choose to ignore the problem and gamble with the health of their current and future sexual partners. This option is extremely irresponsible, as it puts the health of others at risk.

The reality is that more people than you may think are infected with Herpes. According to the Center for Disease Control, CDC, more than 45 million people ages 12 and older have genital Herpes, the most serious type of Herpes. If you are currently infected with Herpes, you need to face facts. You need to understand, that while there is no cure for Herpes, there are ways to help surpass the outbreaks, which in turn will help decrease the chances that you will transmit the disease to your partner.

The first step in suppressing Herpes is to improve your lifestyle. This means decreasing the consumption of harmful vices such as alcohol and tobacco, participating in regular exercise and improving your overall diet. It is also wise to consider taking safe, all-natural supplements. Choosing a healthier lifestyle is the best way to help boost your immune system. The healthier your immune system is, the less likely you are to have future outbreaks. For more information regarding all-natural Herpes supplements.

Remember, the best way to deal with Herpes is to attack the disease head on. Do not let this common, yet often ignored, virus control your life or affect your future happiness. There are millions of others out there living with the disease so there is no need to feel embarrassed. Be honest with not only with yourself, but also with your current or future partners.

You should also insist on safe/safer sex precautions, and be sure to avoid sexual contact when you are having an outbreak as you are more likely to transmit the disease during an outbreak than during times of suppression. Do not Herpes take over your life, adopt a healthier lifestyle and research the many benefits of Herpes supplements such as Viralprin™.

For more information regarding using a Herpes supplement, such as Viralprin, once you tell your partner you have Herpes, please visit Viralprin.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_G._Hall

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes member.

Genital herpes- basics

Here are few basics about genital herpes. It can be caused by virus type 1 that causes cold sores. Most of the carriers are in a phase when they show no outward sign but shed the virus (asymptomatic phase). After contacting herpes, you will become infected but may show no symptoms for years. Unfortunately you may suspect a different partner when you get the eruption. The earlier one that gave you herpes is only in the memory. Many of us believe that genital herpes is only caused by virus type2. This is not true. Let me put it like this. If you have genital herpes, it is difficult for your partner to get cold sores. But if you have cold sores, your partner can easily get genital herpes.

Genital herpes- about the habit of the virus

The herpes virus behaves in a typical manner. as soon as you contact herpes, the virus begins multiplying. You may get a severe eruption of herpes or a very mild. After treatment the virus goes to sleep. Because of certain reasons, the virus goes back to the skin. The trigger may be- stress, illness, lowered immunity etc. After going back to the skin, the virus erupts again and shows herpes on the skin. It gets treated again and goes back to sleep to return after some time.

Even if your partner shows no signs of herpes, if he/she is an active carrier of cold sores or virus type2, you may get infected. Only screening will tell you about the status of your partner. Please protect yourself from genital herpes.

TThis article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

CD Mohatta

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

DoctorGoodSkin.com is an online skin care guide where you can find a lot of information, articles and tips about skin diseases and conditions, skin treatments and procedures, skin care, skin care products, etc. You will also find information about hair and nails. A unique feature of this portal is the skin and health quizzes, by which you can test your knowledge about various skin, hair and nail conditions. The most popular topics on the site include acne, hair removal, skin cancers, sweating, surgical procedures, aging, dandruff, etc.

Additional Reading:

Cold Sore Freedom in 3 days by Grace Melgarejo

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs in the world. It is a viral infection that is spread by close contact with somebody who has herpes simplex virus, or HSV. Any sexually active person may contract genital herpes.

While it is not a life-threatening STD, it is incurable. Symptoms of genital herpes may include: genital itching, small breaks or red patches in the skin around the genitals, thighs or buttocks. It is also possible for you to have no symptoms, but still have the virus.

The initial outbreak, if symptoms occur, consists of flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, and general joint and muscle aches, and possibly genital discomfort. These symptoms may linger for days, during or after which they will notice reddened areas on the genitals which may turn into painful blisters, which eventually burst, crust over and generally to leave sores that will heal with no scarring left behind. The intensity of the initial outbreak varies between individuals, but for some it may be severe and last for up to three weeks if not treated. These symptoms generally quickly clear up with medication.

Genital herpes is spread through direct skin-to-skin, genital-to-genital or mouth-to genital contact. It is usually spread during intimate sexual contact. The virus is more likely to be passed if sex occurs during an active herpes outbreak. Since many people don’t notice the genital herpes signs and symptoms, it is not always possible to detect an active outbreak. It is also possible to spread genital herpes even when no symptoms are present – in an instance known as asymptomatic shedding.

Chance of transmission is greater if there are any breaks in the skin.

Sores in other areas – like the buttocks and thighs – can be just as contagious as those in the genital area, and should be avoided.

During times when there is no outbreak, there is still a slight chance of transmission, even when signs of an outbreak are absent. If you or your partner has a fever blister, it is a good idea to abstain from oral sex because the virus may be passed to the genital area.

Contrary to popular belief, sharing cups, towels or bath water, and toilet seats are not ways genital herpes can be transmitted. Only skin to skin contact with the infected area can pass the virus. Normal activities like cuddling, sharing a bed, or kissing are safe.

A genital herpes diagnosis does not mean that you have to abstain from sex. It does mean, however, that you and your partner should take proper measures to reduce risk of transmitting the virus.

The chance of contracting genital herpes is reduced if latex condoms are used during sexual intercourse. Couples should abstain from sex during herpes outbreaks, because chance of transmission is increased. Engaging in sex during an outbreak actually irritates outbreaks and makes them last longer. In some cases, if both partners have genital herpes, they may agree that condom use is not necessary.

If you or your partner’s outbreaks are frequent or severe, or if the recurrent outbreaks cause increased stress, then treatments that prevent or reduce the frequency of recurrences, should be considered.

Herbal treatments are worth looking into because they consist of compounds found in nature that have been proven to significantly reduce herpes outbreaks.

Dylan Morris ~ Dylan Morris is a freelance writer and supporter of nutraceuticals, natural, herbal treatments for disease control and prevention. Visit http://herpaflor.com/ for more information.

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs