Herpes Never Had Sores

Herpes is ane of the nigh stigmatized, feared, and misunderstood sexually transmitted infections (STI). Nosotros test many patients for canker at our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, and we get lots of positive results, which understandably cause lots of anxiety for affected patients. In this web log, nosotros'll interruption it down for y'all. Lesser line: At that place's no need to freak out about positive results.

In that location are two types of herpes simplex virus, which can cause painful sores on the oral fissure and/or genitals.

• HSV-i primarily causes sores on the mouth. It can be contracted by kissing a person with the virus, or sharing personal items (e.thousand., utensils, lipsticks, or toothbrushes).

• HSV-2 usually causes genital lesions and is generally transmitted by sexual contact.

It used to be said that "HSV-1 causes lesions higher up the waist and HSV-2 causes lesions below the waist," but this an oversimplification: Oral HSV-one can exist communicated to the genitals by oral sex activity and genital HSV-2 tin can be similarly communicated to the mouth. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause lesions in the mouth, the genitals, and in other areas (effectually the anus, in the eyes, or in areas where skin has been traumatized).

At our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, we provide STI testing for hundreds (maybe thousands) of women each yr, and diagnosis of genital herpes is incredibly common. Women are understandably shocked when they hear that they've tested positive, and we ofttimes have to "talk them off the ledge." There are a lot of myths and misconceptions nigh canker out there. Here are four reasons why a positive canker test is not the end of the world.

• Exposure to HSV is very common. When we examination for herpes, we exercise claret tests which tell us whether your allowed system has always "seen" the canker virus: One time you accept been exposed to canker, your body creates antibodies which will remain present for the remainder of your life. Exposure is incredibly common: Co-ordinate to the CDC, about 1 in viii people ages xiv – 49 has been exposed to HSV-2, and half of people have been exposed to HSV-1. That's right…that good-looking guy you've been flirting with has virtually a 50% chance of having HSV-ane! About people nevertheless are unaware that they have been exposed, considering they've never noticed an outbreak. It's not until patients are tested that they larn they accept HSV. Many people accept been exposed to the virus, simply are completely unaware.

• Symptoms of HSV are often curt-lived and mild. Many people who test positive for herpes antibodies take no symptoms; often, they can't recall even a unmarried outbreak. Other individuals affected by the canker virus take repetitive outbreaks of painful sores in or around the oral cavity or vagina; some may discover merely vaginal irritation or discharge (FYI, if you have any of these symptoms, you should be seen ASAP). Generally, the first exposure to the herpes virus causes the nigh severe outbreak, during which skin lesions may be accompanied past systemic flu-like symptoms. Recurrent outbreaks typically occur in the same location where the initial outbreak occurred, but recurrences tend to be mild.

Many people who live with herpes outbreaks acquire that they are prone to certain "triggers": Ane patient tells me that she gets outbreaks when she'due south sleep-deprived, and another tells me she gets lesions when she eats a lot of chocolate. People with herpetic infections can thus learn to manage their triggers to minimize the take a chance of an outbreak.

For those who get frequent outbreaks—say, more than than three or four per yr—medications are available which shorten the elapsing of symptoms and decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus. If you get frequent outbreaks and are have not discussed the possibility of using medications to suppress the herpes virus, y'all should call u.s. for an appointment.

• HSV is NOT a catastrophe in pregnancy. Many of my patients who are diagnosed with genital herpes are understandably worried about the implications herpes infection in pregnancy: They fear that won't exist "allowed" to excogitate or will not exist able to deliver vaginally. These myths exaggerate the truthful risk of herpes in pregnancy. Infants are more often than not at risk only if they pass through a birth canal while their female parent has an active HSV lesion. Nosotros carefully examine women in labor if they take a history of HSV, and if a lesion is seen, a C-section is brash. Medication is oft used during the final few weeks of pregnancy to decrease viral shedding and reduce the run a risk of an outbreak on the day of childbirth. While many, many people test positive for prior exposure to canker, it's rare for us to have to practise a c-department for this reason. For the vast bulk of women, HSV infection has no consequences in pregnancy.

• You lot can still accept sex. A diagnosis of genital canker is not the finish of your sexual activity life. If ane partner has a history of HSV infection, medication can be used to subtract viral shedding and reduce the risk of sexual manual of the virus. Condoms can drive this gamble even lower. Of course, if you have a history of canker infection, we would encourage you lot to exist open and honest with your partner so that yous can work together to discover satisfying solutions.

A diagnosis of herpes is not the end of the world, but women should know where they stand up. Nosotros encourage testing for all sexually active women. If you doubtable you lot may have had exposure to the herpes virus, you lot should come encounter us for an evaluation. Nosotros're hither to answer your questions candidly and hash out a long-term management strategy.

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Source: https://www.ilovemygyn.com/blog/4-reasons-not-to-freak-out-about-your-positive-herpes-test/

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