“On a worldwide basis, having HSV-2 is an extraordinarily potent factor for HIV transmission,” Dr. Handsfield said. People who have HSV-2 are up to six times more likely to contract HIV if they are exposed. It’s not always easy to tell if someone has HSV-1 or HSV-2. “The ideal way to know that it’s herpes and which type it is, is to test at the time are active with PCR testing,” Dr. Handsfield said.
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What do you do if it’s not you with herpes but your partner? Hearing the news may throw you for a bit of a loop. However, try not to take it out on the person who told you.
Herpes Outbreak Triggers – It’s the Type of Stress
The herpes simplex virus can cause blisters or sores to erupt on various parts of the body, including the buttocks. Taking a daily antiviral can help suppress the virus as well as the asymptomatic shedding, says Harbushka. One study found that taking an antiviral daily can reduce transmission.
That said, it is extremely important to share this news. Avoiding it due to shame or fear of judgment will lead to more problems down the road. By developing a plan on how you’ll break the news, however, you will be in a much better position to cultivate a healthy relationship with your partner. If you are someone who acquired genital herpes during oral sex, it’s a good idea to talk to your partner about what happened. Think about educating them, rather than engaging in blame.
For the most part, well focus on genital herpes , rather than oral herpes. During an initial herpes outbreak, it’s common to experience headaches, muscle pains, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms. As you can see, revealing you have herpes is different for everybody.
What Cream To Use For Genital Herpes
If infection were to occur, it would usually be when the baby passes through the birth canal and comes into contact with active lesions. Generally speaking, the risk of mother-to-children transmission of HSV-2 is relatively low. This is because the mother’s immune system makes protective antibodies that are passed to the baby through the placenta. What is important to understand is that the first outbreak is often the worst and, by experiencing an outbreak, you can recognize the early signs if another were to occur. Couple it with the data they need to put it in perspective.
In this case gather as much information about genital herpes as you can. In a long term relationship where there is open communication, maybe even a little professional counseling , you find your rhythm. You find the lifestyle and sex life that fits your comfort level. In the same way that no birth control method reduces the chances of pregnancy to zero, couples eventually find the right balance between caution and calculated risk.
Initial herpes or cold sore outbreaks typically involve an itching and burning around the genitals , or around the mouth . Within a day or so, blisters can form in the affected area and develop into open, fluid-filled sores. We’ve all been ‘tricked’ into getting it, i.e., NONE of the men who gave it to us told us they had it.
Common to Rare Warnings and Contraindications
Once youre alone and comfortable, broach the subject with your partner. Stay focused and use the following techniques to help you share the information clearly and succinctly. However, after making an effort to get back out there and date, she’s had some success. Sign up for ESSENCE Newsletters the keep the Black women at the forefront of conversation.
In the next sections, weve provided some techniques that you can use to help make the conversation a little more manageable. Im terribly sorry to tell you this, and I know its going to be a major blow to us and our future together, but I have genital herpes. Suppressive herpes therapy is recommended for couples in whom one partner has HSV-2 and the other does not. Short of violence and abuse, accept that any emotional reason is possible and try not to take the reaction too personally. If needed, give your partner a day or two to wrap their heads around the news before bombarding them with too much information.
Both in-person and online herpes support groups understand what you are going through and can offer advice, support, and medical referrals. Finally, suppressive therapy can reduce the risk of transmission. To prepare for the discussion, become comfortable with all relevant information about herpes.