Let’s dispel some common myths about genital herpes, and spread the news about prevention
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – It’s probably not something you discuss with your friends, but you almost certainly know several people who are infected with genital herpes. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 45 million people ages 12 and older have this very common sexually transmitted disease. That equates to about one in five adolescents and adults.
Surprisingly, most of them may not even know they have genital herpes because they either have very mild symptoms or they mistake the symptoms – such as painful urination in women – for another condition such as a yeast infection.
The good news is that by taking some simple precautions including being cautious of over-grooming and using a new liquid cream barrier called Amari in addition to a condom, you can help to protect yourself and/or your partner from getting this virus.
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which can invade the body through a crack in the skin or through the mucosa of the mouth or genital areas. Signs of a HSV-2 infection are usually one or more blisters on or around the rectum or genitals. When the blisters eventually break, they leave tender ulcers or sores. Those can take two to four weeks to heal after the first breakout. Typically future breakouts will be less severe and have a shorter healing time.
Although there is no known cure and the genital herpes infection stays in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease with time. But even though someone may not have had an outbreak in a long time, the virus is still very contagious and can still be passed onto their sexual partners.
Did you know?
Any weakness in the skin provides the potential for a virus to enter the blood stream.
Shaving and waxing can cause microscopic tears and scrapes in your skin around the genital area that provides an ideal entry point for viruses.
Anti-viral medications and condoms are approximately 30-50 percent effective in protection against STD viruses such as genital herpes.
If you have genital herpes, you can spread the disease even if you are not having symptoms and even if you have never had an outbreak.
People infected with herpes can be contagious 3-5 days before a breakout.
Having genital herpes can make you two to five times more susceptible to HIV infection if you are exposed to the virus during a sexual encounter.
Condoms do not fully protect you against HPV-2 because the viruse can infect areas not covered by the condom.
Even if you are not having a herpes outbreak, you may still “shed” the virus.
How can you protect yourself and your partner?
Nothing besides abstinence can ever guarantee 100 percent effectiveness against spreading genital herpes. People who carry this virus can spread the infection both when they are having an outbreak and also when they have no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to avoid sex when the signs of herpes are present, and to use a condom even between outbreaks. Condoms act as a physical barrier against the spread of the virus, but remember they are only about 30 percent effective.
To enhance that effectiveness, there is a new liquid cream barrier called Amari Cream (www.amaricream.com). In laboratory studies, the cream was shown to be 97 percent effective in containing herpes when used with a condom.
Think twice about excessive grooming in the pubic and genital areas because it can cause micro cuts and abrasions, which are hot beds and entry points for HPV-2 and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Because such a high number of people are unaware that they are infected with genital herpes, ask your doctor if you should get a blood test to determine if you have the HSV-2 virus. A long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected is one of the best ways to remain disease-free.
About the author
Dr. Jose I. Iparraguirre, MD, practices Obstetrics & Gynecology in Miami, FL with Baptist Women’s Health Femwell Group Health. Dr. Iparraguirre received his medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
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