Demystifying Herpes
How can a bug that afflicts nearly 150 million Americans be such a secret?
Endless myths seem to swirl around the sexually transmitted disease herpes. Is it just cold sores? Can I get rid of it? Is my sex life ruined? I hope to provide some answers to these and other questions and help clear up some confusion, as well as to reaffirm the message that one can have herpes and still live a happy, healthy sex life.
There are two types of herpes, fueling much of the confusion right from the outset. Herpes simplex virus 1 is most often associated with oral herpes, while herpes simplex virus 2 is linked to genital herpes. In reality, both viruses can cause breakouts in both areas. It’s true that type 1 is more commonly spread via the mouth and type 2 via the genitals. However, there is little difference between the two viruses, chemically speaking, and both can show up either place.
The real difference seems to be in the social stigma associated with the two. Oral herpes is often referred to as "cold sores" and written off as a common, benign condition. In sharp contrast, genital herpes is viewed as a chronic illness, which is unfair when you realize how similar the two types are, both in cause and treatment. I think it’s important that we regard both types of herpes in the same way to eliminate the shame that is arbitrarily associated with one of them.
Herpes always results from oral or genital contact with the virus. Where you get an outbreak is usually the result of which part of your body came into contact with the virus. So a person with either type of herpes could transmit oral or genital herpes to their partner depending upon the type of sexual activity engaged in. Add to this that nearly two-thirds of both the 45 million Americans with genital herpes and the 100 million with oral herpes have no symptoms, and you can understand why the line between the two is fuzzy, at best.
The best way to protect yourself against herpes is by using good common sense and following safe sexual practices. Outbreaks often appear as a red rash, sometimes progressing to blisters. Initial outbreaks are sometimes associated with fevers and flu-like symptoms. If you see anything like that, avoid sexual contact (including kissing) and see your doctor. Once you transmit either kind of herpes virus, it remains permanently in your partner's nervous system. There is a blood test that can check whether you have herpes antibodies and are a carrier, even if you have never had any symptoms.
Even if there are no visible lesions, herpes can be spread through a process known as shedding, in which the virus is active on the skin. Because of this, safe sex with a condom will protect against other STDs, but not always against herpes since shedding can occur on areas not covered by the condom — on both men and women. It happens far less often than when there is an active outbreak but is still possible nonetheless.
People who have or carry herpes vary widely in the frequency and type of symptoms they experience. Some are symptom-free, others have just one breakout, and still others have regular bouts of symptoms.
The good news is that many options exist for managing herpes. There are several prescription medications to minimize outbreaks. Online resources and support groups offer a place to share your experiences with others. There are even dating sites for people with herpes, which can be good for getting back out there when you discover you have it.
Most important is to remember that everyone has a part of their sexuality with which they struggle. And as Andy Warhol said, the thing is not to make a problem about your problem. You can still have a great sex life, if you make the decision to do so.
There are two types of herpes, fueling much of the confusion right from the outset. Herpes simplex virus 1 is most often associated with oral herpes, while herpes simplex virus 2 is linked to genital herpes. In reality, both viruses can cause breakouts in both areas. It’s true that type 1 is more commonly spread via the mouth and type 2 via the genitals. However, there is little difference between the two viruses, chemically speaking, and both can show up either place.
The real difference seems to be in the social stigma associated with the two. Oral herpes is often referred to as "cold sores" and written off as a common, benign condition. In sharp contrast, genital herpes is viewed as a chronic illness, which is unfair when you realize how similar the two types are, both in cause and treatment. I think it’s important that we regard both types of herpes in the same way to eliminate the shame that is arbitrarily associated with one of them.
Herpes always results from oral or genital contact with the virus. Where you get an outbreak is usually the result of which part of your body came into contact with the virus. So a person with either type of herpes could transmit oral or genital herpes to their partner depending upon the type of sexual activity engaged in. Add to this that nearly two-thirds of both the 45 million Americans with genital herpes and the 100 million with oral herpes have no symptoms, and you can understand why the line between the two is fuzzy, at best.
The best way to protect yourself against herpes is by using good common sense and following safe sexual practices. Outbreaks often appear as a red rash, sometimes progressing to blisters. Initial outbreaks are sometimes associated with fevers and flu-like symptoms. If you see anything like that, avoid sexual contact (including kissing) and see your doctor. Once you transmit either kind of herpes virus, it remains permanently in your partner's nervous system. There is a blood test that can check whether you have herpes antibodies and are a carrier, even if you have never had any symptoms.
Even if there are no visible lesions, herpes can be spread through a process known as shedding, in which the virus is active on the skin. Because of this, safe sex with a condom will protect against other STDs, but not always against herpes since shedding can occur on areas not covered by the condom — on both men and women. It happens far less often than when there is an active outbreak but is still possible nonetheless.
People who have or carry herpes vary widely in the frequency and type of symptoms they experience. Some are symptom-free, others have just one breakout, and still others have regular bouts of symptoms.
The good news is that many options exist for managing herpes. There are several prescription medications to minimize outbreaks. Online resources and support groups offer a place to share your experiences with others. There are even dating sites for people with herpes, which can be good for getting back out there when you discover you have it.
Most important is to remember that everyone has a part of their sexuality with which they struggle. And as Andy Warhol said, the thing is not to make a problem about your problem. You can still have a great sex life, if you make the decision to do so.
14/24
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