The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that 110 million people in the United States have a sexually transmitted disease. What’s even more alarming is that 50 percent of new infections occur in young adults between the ages of 15-24.
According to obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Drai, he’s found that there seems to be much misconception, still, and misinformation about one disease in particular — genital herpes.
“You ladies are still confused about GENITAL HERPES ,” says Dr. Drai. Making it his mission to help clear up some of the myths about the disease, in a recent blog post, Dr. Drai further explains how the disease is transmitted, and some solutions in preventing transmission.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Yes you read it correctly; HSV-1 (typically associated with cold sores) can also cause genital herpes. In the US, about 776,000 people get new herpes infections yearly. It’s more common in women because transmission from an infected male to his female partner is more likely…”
The Diagnosis
Most people have no symptoms-meaning no sores but others will get blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth, which will turn into painful sores. Genital herpes is transmitted though sex- anal, vaginal, or oral and mouth-to-genital or genital-to-genital contact. Unlike HPV, Herpes is found in genital secretions and mouth secretions as well. There’s a small risk of herpes to be passed to your unborn child… Ladies- remember there’s NO CURE. You will always have herpes! Medications can be prescribed to prevent or shorten outbreaks. Daily medication use-suppressive therapy-can lower the likelihood of passing herpes to your partner. Consistent condom use can lower the risk of transmission of herpes.Kiss and Do Tell!
Here’s the real problem- outbreaks can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom AND this virus is so sneaky that it may be present in these uncovered areas even if sores are NOT visible.Really?
You can reduce your risk by not having sex at all- NOT GOING TO HAPPEN- or being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship. Remember, 1 in 6 people aged 14 to 49 has genital herpes! So be careful- if you get genital herpes or if you already have it, it’s okay to KISS but you must tell your partner BEFORE having sex…
Dr. Drai is a practicing board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist
who is also a nationally recognized author, speaker, professor and media
personality. Visit http://www.DrDrai.com to download his new eBook FREE
– “20 Things You May Not Know About The Vagina”.
Find out more about Dr. Drai and tips on staying informed when you go to his official website.
(Photo: Getty/Todd Keith)
