Can I Breastfeed If I Have Genital Herpes
Yes, you can breastfeed if you have genital herpes, but not if you have a herpes sore on one of your breasts. If you have genital herpes, it is possible to spread the infection to any part of your breast, including your nipple and areola.
If you have any genital herpes sores on one or both of your breasts:
- You can keep breastfeeding as long as your baby or pumping equipment does not touch a herpes sore.
- Do not breastfeed from the breast with sores. Herpes is spread through contact with sores and can be dangerous to a newborn baby.
- Pump or hand-express your milk from the breast with sores until the sores heal. Pumping will help keep up your milk supply and prevent your breast from getting overly full and painful. You can store your milk to give to your baby in a bottle for another feeding. But if parts of your pump also touch the sore while pumping, throw the milk away.
Getting A Uti On Your Period
Getting a UTI during your period may be due to poor hygiene if you dont clean yourself well or dont change your pads or tampons regularly.
Its normal to use pads or tampons throughout your period. If theyre not changed frequently, these feminine care items can lead to discomfort and Uti infection.
To avoid this, its essential to change your pads or tampons every four to six hours if youre using them during your period.
Symptoms of a UTI may include burning during urination, increased frequency of coughing up urine, lower back pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, and fever.
How Does Genital Herpes Spread
Herpes can be spread when an infected person has lesions blisters and open sores on their body or when you do not have any symptoms. Taking antiviral medicine can help you reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to your sexual partners. You can also:
- Inform your sexual partner that you have genital herpes.
- Use a condom every time you have sex.
- Refrain from having sex when you have symptoms.
- Abstain from performing oral sex if you have blisters or open sores around your mouth.
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Can Herpes Be Prevented Or Avoided
The best way to prevent getting herpes is to not have sex with anyone who has the virus. It can be spread even when the person who has it isnt showing any symptoms. If your partner has herpes, there is no way of knowing for sure that you wont get it.
If you are infected, there is no time that is completely safe to have sex and not spread herpes. If you have herpes, you must tell your sex partner. You should avoid having sex if you have any sores. Herpes can spread from one person to another very easily when sores are present.
You should use condoms every time you have sex. They can help reduce the risk of spreading herpes. But its still possible to spread or get herpes if youre using a condom.
How Is It Treated
Although there is no cure, medicine can relieve pain and itching and help sores heal faster. If you have a lot of outbreaks, you may take medicine every day to limit the number of outbreaks.
After the first outbreak, some people have just a few more outbreaks over their lifetime, while others may have 4 to 6 outbreaks a year. Usually the number of outbreaks decreases after a few years.
Treatment works best if it is started as soon as possible after the start of an outbreak. This is especially true for outbreaks that come back again and again.
Finding out that you have herpes may cause you to feel bad about yourself or about sex. Counseling or a support group may help you feel better.
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Can Genital Herpes Come Back
Yes. Genital herpes symptoms can come and go, but the virus stays inside your body even after all signs of the infection have gone away. The virus becomes active from time to time, leading to an outbreak. Some people have outbreaks only once or twice. Other people may have four or five outbreaks within a year. Over time, the outbreaks usually happen less often and are less severe.
Experts do not know what causes the virus to become active. Some women say the virus comes back when they are sick, under stress, out in the sun, or during their period.
How Does Genital Herpes Affect Pregnancy
- If you get genital herpes during pregnancy, you can spread genital herpes to your baby during delivery.
- If you had genital herpes before pregnancy, your baby is still at risk of getting herpes, but the risk is lower.
Most women with genital herpes have healthy babies. But babies who get herpes from their mother have neonatal herpes. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition that can cause problems in a newborn baby such as brain damage, eye problems, or even death.
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How Is Genital Herpes Transmitted
Genital herpes can be transmitted by HSV-1 or HSV-2 and is a lifelong condition. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is four days after exposure, but may range from 2 to 12 days.
During this time, the newly infected person has no symptoms of the virus. Many studies have shown an increase in the number of people whose first episode of genital herpes is caused by HSV-1.
HSV-2 is characterized by viral cells that shed off of the infected genital area. HSV-2 shedding consists of approximately 14 episodes per year.
When HSV-2 is transmitted, the infected partner is usually asymptomatic. Studies consistently report that most people with a genital HSV infection are unaware of its presence.
The clinical features of female genital herpes can include:
- Blisters may appear on the genitalia, vaginal opening, perineum, buttocks, upper thighs, or perianal areas.
- In moist areas, blisters may rupture, leaving painful ulcers.
- The vaginal tissue can become red and swollen.
- General symptoms may include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or headaches.
- Painful urination or difficulty with urination
Ask About Sexual History
Ask all partners whether theyâve been tested recently for STIs before sexual contact. Limiting the number of sexual partners you are exposed to will also decrease your risk of contracting genital herpes and other STIs.
If you’ve had unprotected sex, or if you experience symptoms of genital herpes, visit your healthcare provider or local STI clinic for an STI screenings.
If you have genital herpes, be open with your partner and talk about the risks of transmission.
Douching should be avoided, as this may actually increase chances of contracting an STI .
Researchers are working towards the development of other preventative strategies, such as an HSV vaccine and topical microbicides to help prevent the spread of herpes .
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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.
Maintaining Proper Personal Hygiene
Personal cleanliness is one of the most important aspects of good hygiene. Maintaining proper personal cleanliness makes you less likely to catch a UTI infection.
One aspect of personal cleanliness thats particularly important for women is their urethra. Women have a shorter urethra than men, meaning they must practice proper cleanliness when going to the bathroom.
This means they should avoid touching their private parts directly with their hands or using public toilets, which are rife with opportunities for bacteria to spread. Instead, they should use specially designed toilets to keep their hands away from their private parts.
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Can Herpes Be Transmitted During Its Incubation Period
The chances are low that a person can transmit HSV to someone else within the first few days following their initial contact with the virus. But because of HSV dormancy, among other reasons, not many people can pinpoint the moment they contracted the virus.
Transmission is common from contact with a partner who might not know they have HSV and isnt showing symptoms of infection.
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How Long Do Sores From Herpes Simplex Last
If youre infected with HSV-1, commonly known as oral herpes, you may notice tingling or burning around your mouth in the days before a cold sore appears. These blisters break open and ooze fluid before forming a crust. Usually, sores last for seven to 10 days.
If youre infected with HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes, your first outbreak may last between two to four weeks. Recurrent outbreaks usually last between three to seven days.
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Genital Herpes Is Spread By Skin
The virus can be spread when someone with HSV has an episode or an outbreak characterised by having a sore, blister, ulcer or skin split . It can also be spread between episodes, when there is no sore, blister, ulcer or skin split present called asymptomatic viral shedding.
During viral shedding the virus is on the skin surface and can be spread through genital skin-to-skin contact, or from the mouth or face to genital skin during contact.
What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes
Genital herpes infections are very common, but many people donât even know they have them. This is because many people donât have any physical symptoms from the herpes infectionâthat is, their infections are asymptomatic .
Symptoms of genital herpes differ for everyone, and many people may not have classic symptoms or any symptoms at all. Some people may suspect that their symptoms are caused by another type of infection .
Herpes symptoms, for those who experience them, are often unpleasant. The initial herpes outbreak can be shocking and the most severe outbreak.
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Is Genital Herpes Infection Related To Hiv
Herpes and HIV are caused by different viruses. But patients infected with these viruses are more likely to transmit either disease to their sexual partners. Patients with herpes are more vulnerable to HIV infection. People newly diagnosed with herpes should be tested for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.
Patients who are infected with both herpes and HIV also may have a higher concentration of HIV viruses in their body because of the interaction between the herpes virus and the HIV virus. When HIV damages a persons immune system, the person may be more likely to shed herpes simplex virus asymptomatically.
Dont Be Afraid To Get Emotionally Intimate
An open and honest conversation about your diagnosis can require emotional intimacy that may be scary to have in a new relationship. Harbushka says to relax and realize that it can be sexy to communicate with your partner about sex and other important intimate topics.
With the right information and adequate protection, you can still enjoy a healthy sexual relationship. Here are some tips to help you and your partner stay safe during sex.
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Take Care During Pregnancy
A woman who gets genital herpes while she is pregnant could pass the infection to her baby during delivery. Herpes can make newborns seriously ill.
If you are pregnant, follow these steps:
- Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to genital herpes or have had an outbreak in the past.
- Let your doctor know if you are currently having an outbreak, especially if you are in the last part of your pregnancy.
- Avoid unsafe sex. Herpes is often transmitted by people who don’t know they are infected and don’t have symptoms. Use condoms.
- Avoid receiving oral sex from partners who have cold sores. Herpes in newborns can be caused by HSV-1, the virus that most commonly causes cold sores. Most experts advise pregnant women not to receive oral sex in the last 3 months of their pregnancy. It increases their risk of genital infection with HSV-1.
Antiviral medicine can be used safely in pregnancy to reduce the risk of an outbreak at the time of delivery. This lower risk, in turn, makes it less likely that delivery by caesarean section will be needed.
When Should You Call Your Doctor
If you haven’t been diagnosed with genital herpes, call your doctor if you have:
- Painful blisters or sores in the genital or pelvic area.
- Burning or pain while urinating, or you can’t urinate.
- Reason to think you’ve been exposed to genital herpes.
If you have been diagnosed with genital herpes, call your doctor if you are having frequent outbreaks or if you can’t pass urine or are constipated.
If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, or if you think you have genital herpes, tell your doctor.
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Learn To Recognize Warning Signs
Once you start experiencing symptoms you can transmit the virus, so paying attention to early symptoms can help reduce the risk of transmitting it to a partner.
Along with that sort-of-itchy, sort-of-painful tingling feeling that I get before the sores appear, I notice tenderness in my mouth, fatigue, a low fever, and aches in my legs.
You might only get these symptoms with the first outbreak, but they can return. Returning symptoms are usually more mild than before.
Should I Keep My Cold Sore Wet Or Dry
There have been no studies investigating whether keeping a cold sore wet versus dry promotes healing.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association states that people can reduce redness by applying a clean, cold, wet towel to sores for a few minutes every day. People can also prevent dry skin and cracking by applying petroleum jelly.
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Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
Many times, the first episode of a genital herpes outbreak looks and feels the same, whether its caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. The presentation of the blisters or ulcers looks exactly the same. Unlike HSV-1, HSV-2 may cause frequent, symptomatic genital ulcers. Recent studies have demonstrated that the HSV-2 is frequently shed and can be transmitted from the genitals even when there are no symptoms.
HSV-2 shedding can also be detected throughout the genital tract and may be associated with genital tract inflammation. Researchers believe that this is what may contribute to the increased risk of acquiring HIV.
Is There A Cure For Genital Herpes
Unfortunately, there is no cure for HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Because of this, its important to be aware of how to prevent, identify, and treat outbreaks. Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding the infection and the possible complications associated with the herpes simplex virus. Its important for anyone who is infected, or thinks that they may have been exposed to herpes, to take precautions. If there is a current outbreak , skin-to-skin contact should be avoided. This includes kissing and any unprotected sex, including oral sex. Anyone who is infected with herpes simplex, even without visible symptoms, can pass it to another person. Because of this, its important to take precautions during every sexual encounter.
Here are some of the ways that people can protect themselves from genital herpes.
- Using a condom during sex helps protect against herpes and other STIs.
- Make sure that both partners are tested for HSV and that the results of the tests are in before engaging in unprotected sex.
- Currently, vaccines are being developed.
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What Is Oral Herpes
herpes simplex virus Iherpes labialis.
Oral herpes is also one of the most common viruses among humans. Between 50 and 80 percent of adults in the United States have oral herpes, with most people contracting it before they turn 20 years old.
After the first infection, it takes between 2 to 20 days for the first outbreak to occur, which is usually the most painful. Once that outbreak clears, the virus becomes dormant, and you may not experience another outbreak for months or years. People who have oral herpes typically have fewer outbreaks than those with HSV II, but outbreaks can still be very infectious.
Taking care of yourself during an outbreak is important. Work with your dentist to make sure you keep your mouth clean while you wait for it to heal.
I’m Pretty Sure He Knew He Had It
I felt ashamed, dirty, all those things. I had to get an STI that doesn’t go away. It’s a stigma that gets attached to you and it’s rough. I couldn’t stop beating myself up for being so careless. The guy didn’t have symptomsbut I wouldn’t have even known what to look for.
I remember wavering on whether I believed he didn’t know he had it. I can’t imagine someone being so thoughtless or heartless to subject me to this, knowing that he had it. But I’m pretty sure he knew. He seemed way too calm when I asked him.
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When To Call The Doctor
Even though HSV sores can hurt and be unsightly, most cases of herpes do not cause serious illness. The sores go away in a few days. Contact the health provider if:
- Sores are present and you think it might be a first herpes infection. The diagnosis is usually made by examining the sores. If the sores have not healed, sometimes a laboratory test is done.
- Sores do not heal by themselves or show signs of infection such as pus, spreading redness or fever.
- Sores are near the eyes.
- You have another health condition with a weakened immune system.