Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. Many people who are infected with HSV-2 are not even aware that they are infected. Most people do not show signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection – or the symptoms are very mild.

When signs of genital herpes do occur, they typically appear as outbreaks of blisters on or around the genital or rectal area. The blisters break, leaving tender sores that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it is usually less severe and shorter than the first outbreak. Though the herpes infection remains in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over time.

After a person learns of their genital herpes diagnosis and finds out that it is an incurable, life-long condition, s/he may be concerned about what this means about current or future sexual relationships.

In regards to future sexual relationships, people who have genital herpes can experience normal sexual relationships despite their diagnosis. There are things that an infected person must do to insure that they do not put any future partners at risk of contracting the genital herpes. Keep in mind that abstinence is the only guaranteed way to prevent a sexual partner from contracting herpes.

For casual or short-term sexual relationships, use latex condoms to help lessen the likelihood of contracting genital herpes as well as a wide range of sexually transmitted infections. Avoid direct genital skin-to-skin contact during a herpes outbreak, as this is the time the virus is most likely to be passed on. Wearing a condom will not completely prevent transmission during an outbreak, as the virus may be present on the surrounding genital area.

In regards to a long-term relationships where both partners are knowledgeable of the genital herpes infection and the risk of transmission, for the couple to decide not to use a condom.

In both cases of casual sexual partners and long-term relationships, the issue of how to tell a partner that you have genital herpes arises. It is common to think that any current or future sexual partner will reject you once they learn of your herpes diagnosis; however, most genital herpes infected people find that their partners are supportive of them and appreciate the courage it took to reveal their diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with genital herpes while in a relationship, your partner may think that this is a sign of infidelity. However, because of the nature of the virus, you could have had it long before your relationship. Or, even still, it is possible that your partner never experienced symptoms from a herpes infection and transmitted the virus to you-and you are one of the few individuals who develop symptoms of the infection. It is best to talk to a physician once you reveal your infection to a partner so that all of these concerns can be addressed.

At any rate, it is important to tell your partner of your condition, it shows them that you are a responsible partner who cares about your sexual health and the sexual health of your partner. Your partner may also choose to be tested.

Regardless of their test results, in order to keep your sex life as normal as possible, you may want to look into treatments that will reduce the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks, as well as maintain a healthy diet and avoid stressful situations which may trigger outbreaks. The healthier lifestyle you lead, the less genital herpes will be an issue in your sex life.

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

Genital herpes affects many of us. All of us want to protect ourselves. The problem is the anxiety about getting genital herpes if the partner shows no signs, but is a carrier? What if he/she had contacted cold sores in the childhood? Will you get genital herpes? Let us find out.

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. To know more about herpes- click here- Herpes Simplex 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.

by: DC Mohatta

When you or your partner suffer from herpes, it is not an easy challenge to face. In any relationship, trust and honesty are important. If you love your partner, then you must be open to share the truth.

It is important that if you decide to stay together, then both of you must take responsibility to ensure that you continue to enjoy a healthy, intimate live together.

By knowing, it can already help prevent the spread of herpes. Because you can begin to take steps.

There is no way to guarantee that herpes will not spread. But there are ways to help reduce the risks.

First, consult your physician. This is very important as there are different STDs and herpes might not be the only problem. Having full information will help you and your partner.

Check if Valtrex is suitable. It is known to reduce the risk. But again, this needs to be taken in consultation with a physician.

Here are some steps that you can take which will help reduce the risks:

• Do not have sex when you have an outbreak
• Do not have sex when you suspect that you are about to have an outbreak
• Always have protected sex (that is, use a condom)
• Take your medication (if prescribed)

Never take medication without first consulting your physician.

Additional Reading: Stop Herpes Now & From Coming Back for Good by Dr David Hogg