It’s important for women who are sexually active to understand the signs, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various STDs. Unfortunately, many sexually transmitted diseases and infections are misunderstood. Here are five common myths about genital herpes.
Myth #1: Hardly anyone has genital herpes.
You’ve probably heard someone say that herpes is rare. The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes, is actually not as uncommon as you may have thought, however. Statistics show that one out of every four women and one out of every eight men have the virus, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It’s easier for a woman to be infected by the STD than to transmit it to her sex partner.
Myth #2: You can only be infected if your partner is having an outbreak.
There is a common misconception that you can prevent your partner from contracting genital herpes by avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks. Although it is possible for the virus to be spread when there is a sore, this is not the only time when the STD may be spread. It is possible to become infected by skin that does not have a visible sore or signs of an outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is why it’s important to be aware of the risk of infection at all times.
Myth #3: A blood test is the best way to know if you have genital herpes.
Although a blood test can be a good way to diagnose HSV-2 in between outbreaks, it’s not the most accurate method of diagnosis. It’s ideal to call your doctor when you first experience what you believe to be an outbreak. Your doctor can take a sample from the sore and have it tested in a laboratory to determine whether or not you have the virus.
Myth #4: As long as you use a condom every time you have sex, you won’t get genital herpes from an infected partner.
If your sex partner has told you that you can’t get herpes as long as you use condoms, don’t believe it. The STD is spread through skin-to-skin contact, rather than through bodily fluids. This means that it is still possible to get herpes even if you use condoms, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Using condoms does offer some protection against herpes, however. It’s still important to use protection every time you have sex.
Myth #5: Genital herpes eventually goes away.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for herpes at this point in time. Some people may only experience a few outbreaks during the course of their lifetime, but the virus always stays in your body. Medications can help prevent and treat outbreaks, however. It’s also possible to reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes to your partner through daily suppressive therapy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you suspect that you may have genital herpes or another STD, the best thing that you can do is visit a licensed healthcare professional right away. In the meantime, stop having sexual intercourse. To reduce the risk of STDs, always use protection.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your health.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services