HERPES FAQ - Dating Choices

What is Genit*l Herpes?
Genit*l herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most Genit*l herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the Genit*ls or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years.

How common is Genit*l Herpes?
Results of a nationally representative study show that Genit*l herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, at least 45 million people ages 12 and older, or one out of five adolescents and adults, have had Genit*l HSV infection. Between the late 1970s and the early 1990s, the number of Americans with Genit*l herpes infection increased 30 percent.

Genit*l HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost one out of five). This may be due to male-to-female transmissions being more likely than female-to-male transmission.

How do people get Genit*l Herpes?
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but they also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to be broken or to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a Genit*l HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.

HSV-1 can cause Genit*l herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” HSV-1 infection of the Genit*ls can be caused by oral-Genit*l or Genit*l-Genit*l contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genit*l HSV-1 outbreaks recur less regularly than Genit*l HSV-2 outbreaks.

Is there a treatment for Genit*l Herpes?
There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners. (from CDC.gov)

HPV FAQ

What is Genit*l HPV Infection?
Genit*l HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the Genit*l area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum. Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own.

Some of these viruses are called "high-risk" types, and may cause abnormal Pap tests. They may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Others are called "low-risk" types, and they may cause mild Pap test abnormalities or Genit*l warts. Genit*l warts are single or multiple growths or bumps that appear in the Genit*l area, and sometimes are cauliflower shaped.

How common is HPV?
Approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire Genit*l HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired Genit*l HPV infection. About 6.2 million Americans get a new Genit*l HPV infection each year.

How do people get Genit*l HPV Infections?
The types of HPV that infect the Genit*l area are spread primarily through Genit*l contact. Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms; therefore, most infected persons are unaware they are infected, yet they can transmit the virus to a sex partner. Rarely, a pregnant woman can pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery. A baby that is exposed to HPV very rarely develops warts in the throat or voice box.

Is there a cure for HPV?
There is no "cure" for HPV infection, although in most women the infection goes away on its own. The treatments provided are directed to the changes in the skin or mucous membrane caused by HPV infection, such as warts and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. (from CDC.gov)

Oral Sex Warning (what you should know about herpes while dating)

HSV-1 or the herpes cold sore is becoming more frequently spread to the Genit*l area. There are many articles stating that you can catch both HSV-1 and HSV-2 in the Genit*l area. So be aware when dating and know what form of herpes you have. Herpes Picture links are below.

"It is estimated that 50 percent to 80 percent of the American adult population has oral herpes. 20 percent, over 50 million people, are infected with Genit*l herpes, and the majority of these cases may be unaware they even have it. Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with Genit*l herpes each year."

"There is no cure to date. Efforts to develop a vaccine by biotechnology companies are ongoing. Until an effective vaccine or cure for HSV infection suppressive antiviral therapy." (from Herpes.com)

For herpes pictures click here. Currently, there is no cure for genti*l herpes or many other STD's. There is a vaccine in clinical trail for HPV and HSV2.