Herpes Transmission: What You Need To Know

Human nature such that it is, especially with women, is that when being diagnosed with genital herpes our first concern is not so much for our own sexual health and what this diagnosis means to us personally, but how this will affect other people. Essentially, we know that because we have contracted this condition from another person, that it is more than possible for us to pass it on.

And because we know how we feel about having received it, we cannot imagine inflicting this on another person. Ever. I realize this is a cliche and there is a myriad of emotions and thoughts about contracting genital herpes; everything from total and utter paralyzing depression, to complete apathy. But stick with me somewhere in the middle here and what we come up with is and overriding single fear of spreading this virus. And being held responsible for it.

So let's think this through to try and release some of this fear and panic about herpes transmission.

The number one thing you can do is to always - with no exception, tell every single person you have sex with that you carry the herpes virus. This can be tremendously difficult (I know!) especially when there is fear and drinking and fear and (did I mention the fear?) involved but it has to be done. Because this is the single most important thing you can do to absolve yourself of the ball and chain of complete responsibility. Once someone is aware of your status and they still choose to sleep with you (and rest assured, they will!), they also become responsible for their own sexual health.

The second most important thing you can do is to practice safe sex. And what I mean by this is a) using a condom and b) never having sexual activity during the early warning signs of herpes or until an outbreak is completely healed. This will do wonders for decreasing transmission.

Third, you can take great care of yourself and work to reduce your own outbreaks. This could involve taking one of the prescription anti viral medications, or it could mean going the super healthy route and taking any of the awesome herpes treatments I discuss on my blog.

It is crucial that you do not take on more fear and responsibility about herpes transmission than necessary. Yes, it is a seriously contagious disease and yes, you would feel awful if you passed it to another person, but taking the steps above will greatly decrease the risk of transmission, and well, if it happens, you know you did everything you could to protect that person and than they made their own choices.

Be well.