Does Birth Control Help With Herpes Outbreaks

Myth #: Herpes Can Affect Your Fertility

Herpes has no impact on fertility, says Hawkins however, people may be confused because there can be an issue with herpes when it comes to pregnancy. If someone is pregnant and gets an outbreak close to when shes going to deliver a baby, that could be problematic, she says. In very rare cases, the outbreak can be transmitted to the baby during birth this is called neonatal herpes and the condition is potentially deadly. In such a situation, doctors may recommend a cesarean to protect the baby from infection.

What Are The Types Of Herpes Viruses

Herpes is a group of contagious viruses. All of these viruses cause blisters and sores. Some of the more common herpes viruses include:

• Type 1: HSV-1, or oral herpes, causes cold sores to form on lips, gums, tongue and inside the mouth. It can cause genital herpes in some cases This type usually spreads through saliva when you kiss someone with open herpes sores. You can also get HSV-1 by sharing items like toothbrushes, lipsticks or eating utensils.
• Type 2: HSV-2 causes genital herpes.
• Herpes zoster: This virus causes chickenpox and shingles.

Herpes Might Not Have Any Symptoms

You or your partner may not have any herpes symptoms that you can see or feel, or the signs of herpes may be so mild you dont even notice them. Sometimes people confuse herpes symptoms with other things, like pimples, ingrown hairs, and the flu.

Herpes symptoms come and go, but that doesnt mean the infection goes away or that you cant spread it to other people. Once you have herpes, it stays in your body for life.

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Myth #: A Blood Test Is The Best Way To Know If You Have Herpes

Blood tests are not always accurate and testing for herpes can be tricky. It can take two weeks to six months after being exposed to herpes before it is detected in the blood. To make matters more complicated, if you are low risk for herpes and asymptomatic, it increases your risk of a false positive result. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against routine testing for herpes unless you or your partner have symptoms. The most accurate test is when you are able to take a swab sample from a new herpes lesion, but often times the diagnosis is made by a clinician based on your history and report of symptoms.

Because the blood test can be expensive and inaccurate, it is not typically included in a sexually transmitted disease evaluation unless you ask your provider for it specifically.

In short, if you dont have symptoms, you dont necessarily need a blood test. If you do experience an outbreak, a skin swab not a blood test is your best bet for confirmation.

What Can I Do If I Have Herpes Simplex 2

Many people who find out they have herpes feel depressed knowing they’ll always have the virus and can give it to others. But you arent alone. Herpes is one of the most common STIs, both in the U.S. and worldwide. If you have herpes, you should:

• Learn all you can about it. Information will help you to manage your disease and feel better about yourself.
• Talk about your illness with your doctor.

If you have herpes, you can still:

• Have sex if you use a condom or dental dam , and you tell your partner about your illness. Some couples, who have sexual relations only with each other, may choose not to use condoms even though one partner has herpes. Because each situation is different, you should ask your doctor if this is the right choice for you in your relationship.
• Have children. People with herpes can still give birth to healthy babies. If you have herpes and plan to have children, discuss your illness with your healthcare provider.

If you have herpes, you should also get checked for HIV and other STIs .

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What Is Neonatal Herpes

Neonatal herpes can be a very serious infection. Babies generally contract the virus from their birthing parent during childbirth even if the parent doesnt have active lesions. They may also get HSV-1 if an adult with an active cold sore kisses them. Breastfeeding babies can also get HSV-1 from the breast if there are lesions present. But babies cant get herpes from breast milk, so its safe to pump and feed.

Herpes simplex can be more dangerous for young babies because they dont have a fully developed immune system. But most babies with neonatal herpes can recover fully with treatment.

The dangers of neonatal herpes are much higher if the infection spreads to the babys organs. If youre pregnant and have herpes, speak with your healthcare provider about how to lower the risk of passing the infection to your baby.

What Is A Cold Sore

A cold sore is a group of small blisters filled with fluid found in, on, or around your mouth and lips. As the blisters break open, a crust will form over the affected patch of skin. If left untreated, a cold sore will heal over time and will not leave a scar. Cold sores are an outbreak that is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus . Though HSV-1 is the most common cause of cold sores, HSV-2 can also be responsible.

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What Happens Once You Have Hsv

Once a person becomes infected with a herpes virus, the virus never leaves the body. After the first outbreak, the virus moves from the skin cells to nerve cells. The virus stays in the nerve cells forever. But it usually just stays there. In this stage, the virus is said to be dormant, or asleep. But it can become active again.

Some things that can trigger the virus are:

How Can I Protect My Sex Partners

You can take steps to protect others from herpes. Keep in mind that you can spread it even when you dont have symptoms.

Avoid sex during outbreaks: Youre more likely to give your partner herpes while you have an outbreak. Avoid sexual contact from the time you notice the first signs, such as tingling or pain, until the scabs fall off and your skin is back to normal.

Try not to touch your sores: If you do, wash your hands right away. A good cleaning may stop the spread to another part of your body or to your partner.

Use condoms: They wont totally protect your partner, but they can lower the chances of spreading the virus.

Talk to your doctor: They might prescribe a drug to make it less likely youll give herpes to someone else. As with condoms, the medicine wont 100% protect your partner.

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Suppressive Therapy For Recurrences

To suppress outbreaks, treatment requires taking pills daily on a long-term basis. Acyclovir and famciclovir are taken twice a day for suppression. Valacyclovir is taken once a day. The doses for these antiviral drugs are reduced in people with impaired renal function.

Suppressive treatment can reduce the frequency of outbreak recurrences by 70% to 80%. It is generally recommended for people who have frequent recurrences . Because herpes recurrences often diminish over time, you should discuss annually with your provider whether you should stay with drug therapy or discontinue it.

There is some evidence that valacyclovir may help prevent herpes transmission, particularly in situations where one heterosexual partner has HSV-2 and the other partner does not. However, this drug does not completely prevent transmission. While taking any suppressive therapy for genital herpes, it is still important to regularly use latex condoms and to avoid any sexual activity during recurrences.

Genital Herpes And Pregnancy

If a person with herpes becomes pregnant, they should let their doctor know, as it is possible that herpes will pass to the baby during delivery. A doctor can take steps to help protect the baby.

If herpes passes to the baby during the birth, the baby will have neonatal herpes. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition. A baby with neonatal herpes may develop eye conditions or brain injuries. It can even be fatal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , during the third trimester of pregnancy, a person should avoid having sexual activity with anyone who has genital herpes or suspected herpes.

A doctor may prescribe antiviral medication later on in the pregnancy to reduce the risk of a herpes outbreak. However, antiviral prophylaxis may not decrease the risk.

A healthcare professional may perform an examination before labor. If there are any symptoms of herpes, a cesarean delivery may be necessary.

The only guaranteed way to prevent the spread of herpes is to avoid having any physical contact with a person who has the infection.

However, there are other steps that a person can take to

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Support And Advice For Genital Herpes

If you have just found out you have genital herpes, you may feel shocked and may have a lot of questions. It may help you to gather as much information as you can about herpes. This can help you to make fully informed decisions about your treatment, safe sex and preventing further recurrences. Talking to a counsellor about your concerns may also help.

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If You Have Genital Herpes Already Can It Be Spread To Other Parts Of The Body Such As The Arms Or Legs

No. Genital herpes cannot be transmitted to another part of your body such as your arm, leg or hand after the first infection occurs. If you have genital HSV II, you will not get HSV II at another site in your body. The immune system produces antibodies that protect other parts of your body from infection. However, there are cases where a person has multiple site infections from the same virus. This is usually acquired at the time of the first infection. For example, if someone has never had herpes but then has oral and genital sex with an infected partner, they can acquire the infection at both sites.

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What Real Patients Say About Dr Aliabadi

Dr. A has always made me feel comfortable and I am so glad I am having her deliver my baby. She always makes time for me, even when Im worried and want to come in last minute for a check-up.

Ramini P.

Dr. A is as good as it gets. The level of dedication, passion, and vest she has for her patients are beyond. Every visit with her makes u feel taken care of on all levels.

Heather K.

Each visit with her is reassuring, stress free and educational. She knows how to treat her patients especially if they are nervous and scared, her bed side manner is exemplary. Going to a gynecologist is one of the most difficult things, yet she makes it so easy and comfortable.

Sally M.

The quality of care by Dr. Aliabadi is impeccable. The assurance that I was receiving the highest quality medical care during my high risk pregnancy was worth every penny.

Sandra E.

Four years ago she was the first to detect cancer in my body. From that point on she did everything in her power to set me up with the best surgeon, oncologist, treatment, and care. She still follows up with me and my family on a regular basis to make sure Im on the right path.

Pari V.

Went above and beyond caring for me while pregnant in a pandemic. Was always able to reach her and her staff no matter what day or time it was.

Mercedes L.

Genital Herpes Treatment In Pregnancy

You may be offered antiviral treatment:

• to treat outbreaks in pregnancy
• from 36 weeks to reduce the chance of an outbreak during birth
• from diagnosis until the birth if you first get herpes after 28 weeks of pregnancy

Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances.

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Continuous Genital Herpes Outbreaks Dispite Surpressive Therapy

r26013

I contracted genital herpes from an assault 7 years ago. I’ve always battled with the the occasional mild outbreak, usually around my period time. However, about two years agoI had a huge outbreak, bigger than my first. Since then Ive taken daily alciclovir, as perscribed by my doctors. However, the outbreaks have gotten more frequent. Around October time, I started getting them every two weeks, but since around Christmas, i have lesion, then that heals, then another appears, then that heals etc etc. I’m really at my wits end. Can anyone offer advice?

2 likes, 104 replies

What Are Signs Of Genital Herpes In Women

Women who have the herpes virus may have nooutbreaks or signs of infection. Many do not know theyhave the virus. Once you are infected, the virus staysin your nerve cells for life. When the virus is not active,there is no sign of infection. When the virus becomesactive, a herpes outbreak occurs. Some womenmay not have any outbreaks or may have only oneoutbreak, while others may have multiple outbreaks.

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It Does Not Mark The End Of Your Sex Or Love Life

For Dr. Loanzon and most people who have the virus, one of the most difficult parts of navigating the diagnosis is learning how to divulge your status to a new partner or love interest. Herpes is treated by our society and by our popular culture as one of the worst things that can happen to a sexually active person if you have the virus, it is a sign that you are tarnished and will struggle to find love. It was through conversations with her life coach that Dr. Loanzon learned how to express herself, and through real life practice, she too learned that it really didnt affect anything.

Dr. Loanzons book describes the many ways she communicated her virus with partners she told me shed simply say, Hey, this is what I have. I dont know if youre into it or not. I think the virus turns some people off. If its not something you are into, no big deal â lets not waste any time I will go ahead and move on. And I actually found that once I had that approach, most of the gentlemen that I was dating didnt even care They were like, No big deal, dont a million people have it? It doesnt matter to me. Do you have an outbreak right now? No, great, lets go for it.’

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Is There A Treatment For Shingles

While there is no cure for shingles, there are treatments out there that can be done at home or prescribed by your doctor to speed up recovery and ease symptoms.

If your skin is very itchy in places, you can try using cool or wet compresses to ease the itch, suggests Dr. Wild. You can also take paracetamol if you have any pain or a fever.

Dr. Wild also suggests wearing smooth, cotton fabrics as they are less likely to irritate your skin, and to keep your rash clean and dry so you reduce the risk of infection.

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You Are Worthy Of Love

While herpes is her platform, Dr. Loanzons book is about a lot more than that. It is about self-worth and self-love, she says, and how she learned to accept herself regardless of how others interpreted her health status. There is power in choices. We dont have to be victims to what happens to us. you ended up herpes, we can choose to grow from it or we can crumble underneath the diagnosis, she says. Herpes can be a curse that can just upend a person, but it can slingshot you into so much more emotional growth than can even expect We all dont do it 100 percent correctly the first time, but by shifting perspective and knowing that we are not alone, it gives that comfort level and that confidence to really move forward.

Since there are many ways to protect oneself and many people actually arent afraid of herpes, it is very likely that you too will be able to find accepting partners on your own. But it good to know that there are also plenty of dating apps and sites specifically for people who have an STD â thats how common it is to have herpes. These social platforms mitigate some of the discomfort in disclosing your status, because everyone is dealing with the same thing.

And dont fear opening up, because Dr. Loanzon attests it wont be as scary as you think. You will find the love that you deserve: People are much more open and supportive when we actually allow them to be.

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