Diseases STDs

Spoiler alert: There will be no actual pictures of genital herpes in this post. Sorry to disappoint.

There’s a very interesting yet completely natural thing we do as humans: We compare. So, the first thing I did after receiving my positive diagnosis with genital herpes years ago was to rush to my nearest Google search bar and type in “pictures of genital herpes.” I wanted to get an idea of what my future situation was going to look like by looking at other people’s situations. And what I found didn’t get me too excited about my future with herpes. But come to find out… most of my worrying was pointless. Continue reading ‘Pictures of Genital Herpes? The Psychology of Comparison’ »

Responsible and protected sex should always be observed by everybody. Not only does it prevent getting unwanted pregnancies, it also safeguards from infectious diseases, such as genital herpes. This disease, however, has no cure. Yet, by detecting its symptoms earlier, you will be guided on how to protect yourself from further complications.

The symptoms of this infection vary from one person to another. Because of the mildness of some symptoms, most people find it hard to recognize them. Some, on the other hand, are painful and worrisome. Its symptoms may even be mixed up with other related problems. Continue reading ‘Genital Herpes Symptoms – A Guide to Identifying Treatment for Genital Herpes’ »

If you are infected with genital herpes, dating can be a scary event. It is normal for people to experience self-doubt and insecurity when faced with the challenge of forming new intimate relationships. While this is very normal and understandable, there are simple steps that you can take to reduce dating anxiety.

Honesty really is the best policy. If you have been diagnosed with Herpes Simplex 2, or genital herpes, you must tell anyone that you are going to have sex with. There are no exceptions to this rule. HSV 2 can be spread even if you use a condom. If your partner is not infected, they need to understand what the risks are. Continue reading ‘Tips for Dating With Herpes’ »

It is true that many sufferers of Genital Herpes have no idea that they have contracted it. Their symptoms may be so mild, such as a little pimple that comes and goes, or a small crack in the skin somewhere in the genital area, that they remain totally unaware that they have an STD (sexually transmitted disease).

On the other hand, the initial episode may be so virulent that the victim will be in despair. Genital Herpes usually (but not always) begins with a tingling or burning or itching feeling in the area around the genitals. These symptoms could also manifest around the mouth. There may be flu-like symptoms with aches and pains which could involve the upper thighs, the back and especially the backs of the legs. Continue reading ‘Oh, No – I Think I’ve Got Genital Herpes!’ »

Among the sexually transmitted disease (STD), the most commonly occurring disease is Genital Herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus is categorized into Type 1 (HSV 1) and Type 2 (HSV 2).

Type 1 virus is usually transmitted from person to person through sexual advances like kissing. Symptoms may include oral or genital symptoms depending on which area the virus has affected. Continue reading ‘Genital Herpes’ »

It’s unfortunate that society seems to have made herpes the scarlet letter of our time. People are ashamed to even admit it to sexual partners, much less the general public. If you really think, there’s no good reason why. Except that herpes becomes something tangible that we can actually put our finger on that may just prove our own self-defeating beliefs around our lack of self-worth.

Media doesn’t help out the cause either. It seems that herpes is the go-to joke in movies when it comes to making fun of characters who sleep around or look “slutty.” My favorite morning radio show always uses the classic line “the gift that keeps on giving” whenever they use the herpes zinger. Making jokes in this way just perpetuates the view that herpes is an outlier that only “certain people” have. Continue reading ‘Society’s Opinion on Herpes’ »

It seems that most people who are letting herpes hold them back are people who genuinely feel they are “protecting” other people from getting herpes, and therefore protecting others from having to experience their same pain… As heartfelt as this seems on the surface, it’s counterproductive in that by isolating herpes from others, you’re isolating you.

If you are the type of person who finds yourself shutting out from the world because of herpes, that truly breaks my heart… first of all, that action of shutting off has an underlying belief that herpes is an absolute dealbreaker. What if herpes really wasn’t all that bad? Let’s just pretend, shall we? That person who is (from their perspective) “protecting” the world from their “disease” has such a big heart. There are plenty of people out there who would rather ignore that they have herpes and not face it. But you would rather ignore the world in order to “protect” it from herpes. So by shutting yourself out of the world, you’re doing the world a HUGE disservice. You aren’t sharing that heart of yours, that heart that doesn’t want to hurt others, that heart that wants to love someone. You’re assuming that herpes will overshadow all of your other positive qualities. Yeah, sounds like a softy line, but it’s so true: By holding back from the world because of herpes, you’re not allowing the world to experience YOU. Continue reading ‘The Number One Reason You Shouldn’t Let Herpes Hold You Back’ »

It’s common knowledge that herpes occurrences (also called “outbreaks”) tend to occur during periods of stress. You could say it represents in a physical way what many people carry on the inside.

“Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That’s where the light enters you.” – Rumi

It’s a default reaction to look away from herpes, to just wish that it goes away soon so you can get back to your life. But how about we look at herpes as a metaphor? Let’s pretend that it’s trying to tell us something. What if it’s a sign that we might be holding something back? Continue reading ‘Could Herpes Be a Symptom – A Physical Manifestation – Or Something Deeper?’ »

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). For some there are no symptoms while others my notice small red bumps, blisters, or open sores on the penis, vagina, or surrounding areas. Women may also experience vaginal discharge. Other symptoms might include headache, fever, muscle aches, pain when urinating, itching, burning, pain in legs or buttocks, or swollen glands in the genital area. Symptoms can go away for periods of time and then resurface later. Since it’s viral there is no cure and treatment includes taking medicine to help alleviate the severity of symptoms.

For those who are sexually active, it is very important to ask questions, and understand some of the risks involved-especially if you are becoming intimate with more than one person, or with someone who has previously been sexually active. One very important question to ask is this: Who’s at risk for genital herpes? Or What kinds of health risks can there be for me? This article will serve as a jumping off point to help you become more educated about such topics. Continue reading ‘Who’s At Risk For Genital Herpes?’ »

There are at least twenty five different types of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) found so far and chlamydia is reported to be the most common among them. Genital herpes comes 10th in the list of common STDs, preceded by HIV and followed by hepatitis. Despite the lower rank, this viral STD is among the most feared genital infections because it has no complete cure. Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes infection can be of 2 primary types – cold sores and genital herpes. Cold sores is generally caused by HSV-1 while genital herpes is transmitted mainly by HSV-2. Continue reading ‘Genital Herpes – Risk Factors and Treatment’ »