- Prevention of genital herpes
- Outlook/prognosis if you have herpes
- Living with herpes
- When to call the doctor
- Questions to ask your doctor
How am I able to prevent genital herpes?
To prevent genital herpes, individuals who are sexually active should limit their number of sexual partners or remain monogamous with one partner, complete any necessary treatment and get tested for STIs, tell sexual partners if they have herpes genitalis, use condoms during sexual activity, and wash hands often if around someone with symptoms. If a sexual partner has herpes genitalis, individuals can lower their risk of getting the virus by avoiding sexual activity during active symptoms, ensuring their partner takes antiviral medication as directed, and waiting until scabs fall off before having sex.
If someone has herpes genitalis, they can still have sex if they use condoms and tell their partner about their illness. They can also have children and should discuss their illness with their healthcare provider. Individuals with herpes genitalis should also get checked for HIV and other STIs.
If someone experiences itching or irritation of the genitalia, blisters on the genitalia or anals, painful sexual activity, dysuria, unusual or unpleasant-smelling urine or faeces, or redness, soreness, or swelling in the vaginal or penile area, they should call their healthcare provider. They should also ask their healthcare provider about the best treatment for them, the effects of antiviral medications, how to reduce the risk of future outbreaks, how to prevent getting another STI, how to protect their partner from getting genital herpes, and whether they should look out for signs of complications.
It’s important to remember that millions of people live with herpes genitalis, and it’s a common STI. Treatments can reduce outbreaks, alleviate symptoms, and protect sexual partners from infection. Having the virus shouldn’t affect relationships or sexual health, but individuals should tell their sexual partners and discuss ways to prevent spreading the STI with their healthcare provider.
Sure, here are some additional points about living with genital herpes:
- Be aware of triggers that can cause outbreaks, such as stress, illness, or sun exposure. Try to manage or avoid these triggers as much as possible.
- Take good care of your overall health by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active. This can help boost your immune system and reduce the frequency or severity of outbreaks.
- Avoid sexual activity during outbreaks, as this is when the virus is most easily spread.
- Talk openly and honestly with your sexual partners about your herpes diagnosis. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important to be upfront and honest about your status so that your partner can make informed decisions about their own sexual health.
- Consider joining a support group for people with herpes. This can provide a safe and supportive space to discuss your experiences and feelings with others who are going through similar challenges.