A diagnosis of genital herpes does not mean the end of an individual’s sex life. He/she can lead a sexual life with using precautions that are required to reduce the risk of infecting a partner.
Many people have the misconception that when a person develops herpes, his/her sex life is over. As we all know that herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and is commonly transmitted through sexual contact. Very few people know that it is quite possible to have sex even if a person is diagnosed with herpes, and it all takes little awareness, knowledge, and understanding about the disease. The information given below will help such people to lead an active sex life even if they have herpes.
Also Read: Symptoms and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
Herpes- A sexually transmitted disease
Genital herpes is a more common sexually transmitted infection which is caused by the same virus that also causes oral cold sores. It is caused by herpes simplex virus. The virus is known to cause painful blisters and sores on the sexual organs or in the mouth, which is called as oral herpes. Two types of herpes simplex virus are known to cause genital herpes, and they are as follows:
- Type 1 or HSV-1 mostly causes cold sores
- Type 2 or HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes.
Some people tend to have warning signs that are enough to make them aware of an outbreak.
Genital herpes symptoms
A majority of people with herpes are unable to recognize symptoms. In some cases, genital herpes symptoms become visible for months or even years. There is a possibility that you have herpes and you don’t know about it.
Common symptoms can include painful tiny blisters or red dots on the sex organs, body aches, fever, and swollen glands. Other warning signs associated with herpes virus infection include tingling, leg pain, burning, and itching. Some people may also experience fever, pain their buttocks and back.
The symptoms of genital herpes begin to appear 2 to 30 days after having sexual intercourse with an infected person. The first outbreak stays for longer and is more severe than outbreaks that may occur later. It can stay up for 20 days, but the thing that gives relief is that future outbreaks will be less severe and less painful.
Managing the risk of transmission
The herpes virus that causes genital herpes can be transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be effectively managed and treated by using genital herpes medicine and by having protected sex.
The most common genital herpes treatment is an antiviral therapy that targets the virus and stops it from multiplying in the body. This effectively reduces the length and severity of an outbreak as well as reduces the chance of occurring another breakout in the future. A genital herpes medicine known as Valtrex is used to prevent outbreaks as to decrease the likelihood of the herpes virus being contagious. Speak to your healthcare specialist about antiviral therapy can be used to suit your condition. After determining, you can get your genital herpes medication online at an affordable rate.
While using genital herpes medicine, you must also take some actions to protect you and your partner every time you have an intimate session. The following steps will help reduce genital herpes and HIV risk:
- Use condoms every time to involve in a sexual practice. It is essential for genital herpes care. The use of condoms is known to decrease the risk of transmission by about 50%.
- Limit the numbers of your sexual partners. Avoid bisexual contact, avoid involving in 3somfun, or four threesomes. This only brings you a high risk of developing sexually transmitted infections.
Also Read: Taking Care of Your Sexual Health
- The virus stays in the nerve of the patients for the rest of the life. There is no cure to eliminate the virus from the body. But, this doesn’t mean you will be not going to have sex for life. An active sex life is possible by correctly following these steps.
