There are two types of herpes, oral and genital, and they are caused by two different virus types.There are many prevention tips for both oral and genital herpes, but the focus of this article will be on the latter.By recognizing and treating symptoms, protecting yourself properly during sexual activity, and being honest and open with your partner, you can prevent the spread of the disease.
Step 1: Get the facts.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus.About 80% of the time, oral and genital herpes are caused by HSV-1 and 2, respectively.Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.When blisters are present and sores are not present, you can get the disease.The primary mode of transmission for genital herpes is vaginal, anal, or oral sex.Sharing utensils or drinkware is one of the ways in which oral herpes can be spread.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-in-six Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 have genital herpes.
Step 2: You should learn to recognize the signs.
A cluster of red sores in or near the genital area is the most common sign of genital herpes.These sores blisters, break, and then disappear before you know it.Canker sores, which only form inside the mouth and are not caused by HSV, are referred to as cold sores.The symptoms will disappear and recur with decreasing frequencies and intensity after the initial outbreak.During the initial outbreak, there can be flu-like symptoms.
Step 3: It will hang around for a long time.
There is no cure for the disease, and the virus can stay in the body for a long time.It can remain inactive for months or years.Stress, trauma, and sunlight are some of the causes of Outbreaks.Some people have no symptoms at all, while others have mild symptoms.It shouldn't be brushed aside as insignificant.Women who are pregnant with genital herpes run a higher risk of miscarrying and can spread the disease to their unborn children.If you are pregnant, you may need to take an antiviral medication.A Cesarean section would be performed if you have a herpes outbreak during labor.The spread of HIV during sexual activity is more likely due to the break and bleed of herpes skin lesions.
Step 4: Be aware of what you're doing.
It's the most effective way to prevent genital herpes if you don't engage in sexual activity.The likelihood of transmission is reduced by limiting the number of sexual partners.One benefit of engaging in long-term, monogamous sexual relationships is the reduced risk of contracting an STD.Taking protective measures as needed, as well as honesty within the monogamous relationship, are important in preventing the transmission of herpes.
Step 5: Be honest.
Most people don't want to talk about herpes with a new sexual partner.Getting past the stigmas and fears, and engaging in an honest discussion about STDs, is essential to protecting against transmission either to or from you.It's your responsibility to inform your partners if you know you have a sexually transmitted disease.Take it upon yourself to ask your partner if they have the disease.Talk to your doctor about taking a simple blood test if you are concerned that you have a sexually transmitted disease.When symptoms are not present, it is a good idea to be cautious.If it is possible that you and your partner have the same disease, you should take precautions.Under all circumstances, the protective measures recommended for preventing herpes transmission are good habits.
Step 6: During breakouts, steer clear.
When a person has tell-tale blisters, they are most likely to have the disease.Sexual activity should be avoided during the flare-ups of the infection.If you want to avoid kissing and sharing utensils, drinkware, etc., during oral herpes, you have to follow the same principle.To find out more about how to live with herpes, click over to How to Live with Herpes.Any skin-to-skin contact in the "risk area" carries an increased risk of transmission due to the fact that there is an open door for the virus to enter.The risk area is the area of the body covered by a pair of boxer shorts.
Step 7: Protection is used every time.
Every time you use a condom, it's important to reduce the chance of you getting a STD.The only condoms that are effective at preventing transmission of STDs are made of latex or polyurethane.You should use a condom every time, even if your partner is not showing any symptoms at the time.Even without symptoms, herpes can still be transmitted.From opening the package to disposing of the used condom, proper technique and care is required to prevent transmission.For detailed instructions on how to use a condom, consult How to Use a Condom.Men should wear condoms and women should use dental dams, which are rectangular sheets of latex.These can be made by cutting open a male condom or even a latex glove.
Step 8: The objects used during sex should be clean.
Never attempt to reuse a condom, but also take care to clean and protect sex toys, such as vibrators, you use or share.Clean items thoroughly with soap and warm water before sharing them.It's a good idea to cover items with condoms or similar forms of protection.
Step 9: Take care of the symptoms.
Even though there is no cure for the disease, there are treatments that can help.There are drugs that can be used to combat genital herpes.Talk to your doctor about the best time to take it.It is possible to be advised to take the medication only during breakouts.None of these medications can cure herpes.See How to Treat Herpes for more information.According to a 2004 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, in cases where one partner has genital herpes, the transmission rate was reduced from 4% to 0.4% with the combination of: 1) abstaining from sex when symptoms are present; 2) using a condom every time; and 3) takingProper precautions can be taken to prevent the transmission of genital herpes from one partner to another.Honesty, abstinence during symptoms, and proper protection are the keys to dealing with herpes.