STD Questions and Answers

Q: If my partner has HSV , do I need to use condoms ?

A: It is possible to catch a different and stronger strain of HSV. Certain
strains of HSV could be drug resistant. Using a condom reduces the chance
of catching a stronger strain of HSV or a different STD. If you and your
partner have HSV and want to have unprotected sex consult a doctor first.


Q: What is the history of genital warts ?

A: Genital warts were around since ancient times. In fact the Greeks and Romans wrote about genital warts. During this time no one knew HPV caused genital warts. Researchers and articles often give credit to Harald Zur Hausen for discovering HPV can cause cervical cancer. Harald shares the Nobile Prize for Medicine with Sinoussi and Montagnier. Harald was given 50% credit for this discovery. One quarter (25% credit) of the credit was given to Rancoise Barre- Sinoussi . One quarter credit was given to Luc Montagnier. Refer to the web sites to read more about this topic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harald_zur_Hausen http://homoeconomicusnet.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/nobel-prize-for-hiv-discovery-and-hpv-link/

Q: What are the differences between genital HSV-1 and genital HSV-2?

A: HSV-1 is usually oral herpes. HSV-2 is usually genital herpes. Both strains could spread orally and/or genitally. Genital HSV-1 is likely to
spread orally by oral sex. Genital HSV-2 is more likely that genital HSV-1 to spread by vaginal or anal sex. Genital HSV-2 isn’t very likely to
spread orally by oral sex.

Another difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 is that HSV-2 usually causes more genital herpes outbreaks than genital HSV-1. Both strains rare
cause severe health problems. If a person has genital HSV-1 (less common strain of genital herpes) and genital HSV-2 an outbreak could occur
from either strain.

Q: How do I tell a potential partner I have herpes?

A: There is no right way to tell a partner about herpes. You may find a different approach that works better for you. Here is a list of things
to do in order and how to have the talk. Ideally you don’t want to tell a person too soon or wait too long to have “the talk”. You want
to tell someone about your situation you trust.

1) Do research about your STD. By doing research you will be prepared to answer a question the other person has. Many people don't really know
how HSV is spread.

2) Think of a set of words that sounds nice. Remember to make eye contact, speak in a normal tone of voice and remain calm. A positive attitude
is more likely to lead to positive results.

3) Find a quiet place where you and your parent are alone. Don't tell a partner about your situation during the heat of the moment.

4) After you have the talk allow a partner to talk, ask a partner if she has any questions and allow her time to think of her choice if needed.

Q: What can I do to minimize genital herpes outbreaks?

A: Eating healthy, exercising, avoiding stress, not smoking, thinking positive and living healthy strengthen the immune system. A healthy immune
system is more likely to weaken the HSV. If the HSV is weak the outbreaks are less likely to occur. If the outbreaks don't occur for a
while the virus is less likely to spread. Medicine such as Valtrex reduces the chance of passing genital herpes to a partner by 50% or more.
You may also want to do research on way to reduce outbreaks.

Q: What is the chance of passing herpes to a partner?

A: The chance of passing genital herpes to a partner varies depending how often a person gets outbreaks, what strain of herpes a person has,
if medication is taken, if protective sex take place and other variables. The HSV could go undetected seem the body often weakens the
virus. Seem the HSV often isn’t detected there is no real way to know the chance of passing herpes to a partner.

The chance of spreading HSV to a partner orally by oral sex is low. HSV-1 is genital herpes 5-10% of all cases. If a partner has genital
HSV-1 (less common type of genital herpes) the chance of the virus spreading orally is high seem HSV-1 is usually oral herpes. If oral sex is
performed on a partner with genital HSV-2 (more common type of genital herpes) the virus won’t be likely to spread orally.

Q: If I have genital herpes could I perform oral sex on a partner?

A: Herpes is spread by skin to skin contact in just about all cases. If you don’t have oral herpes then you won’t spread the virus to a partner by
performing oral sex. If your negative for oral herpes and a partner doesn’t have genital herpes there is no way a partner would come in direct skin
to skin contact with the virus if you performed oral sex. There are cases where a person has oral herpes and doesn’t realize it. Oral herpes and
genital herpes are very different.

Q: Is a person who carries the antibodies and doesn't have a outbreak contagious? I feel a burning and itching feeling.

A: If you haven't had a outbreak or showed signs for a long time then the virus is weak and less likely to spread. A burning, tingling or itching
feeling could mean the HSV is surfacing the skin. If herpes is on the surface of the skin the virus is more likely to spread. If herpes surfaces
the skin a partner is much more likely to come in direct contact with the virus.

Eating healthy, exercising, not smoking, avoiding stress and living healthy generally reduce the chance of experiencing signs. The HSV virus could
weaken over time. If these symptoms get intense or feel uncomfortable you may want to ask your doctor if medicine would meet your needs.
Valtrex and Acyclovir are commonly used to treat genital herpes.