Misconceptions About Herpes Virus

herpes symptoms, herpes outbreak, Herpes Virus

When you are diagnosed with genital herpes and your relationship has been long-term, it means that your partner has cheated on you. It is not necessarily true that your partner was unfaithful. It is very common for an individual to have very mild symptoms or none at all so it is possible that they were infected years prior to your relationship and not even be aware.

Your sex life is ended when you are diagnosed with genital herpes. Practicing 'safe sex' methods by using condoms is a must after you have genital herpes diagnosed. During an outbreak when there are visible symptoms means the virus is active and sexual contact should be avoided. Even when there are no visible signs, it is still possible to spread herpes virus so condoms must always be worn, although it is not a total preventative measure.

Toilets seats in public places can carry the genital herpes virus. This is certainly not true because once the virus is outside the body it will die.

There is no way to be infected with genital herpes if all you do is oral sex. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in type 1 genital herpes that was spread by unprotected oral sex. Use condoms or dental dams as a precaution. This is not a total protective measure but will help.

Sterility is the result of genital herpes. This may happen with other STDs but it is not the result of genital herpes.

Only promiscuous individuals will end up with genital herpes. Anyone is at risk of being infected because genital herpes is a wide spread condition.

If I have genital herpes I will be ostracized. Usually individuals who confide in close friends, family and sexual partners receive acceptance and support. It helps to be well informed about the herpes virus when you share information.

A test for genital herpes is a PAP smear. No, a PAP smear will not reveal a genital herpes virus. To be diagnosed for herpes virus you need to have a specific test performed.

My child will have genital herpes because I do. It is not a common thing for a newborn to be infected when the pregnant mother tells the physician of her condition. If the child does get the infection, it will happen during the birth if the mother's condition is active. It is possible to have herpes without any signs, so it would be good to be tested to be sure.

Herpes has nothing to do with cold sores because they are just an infection of the lip like a canker sore. Human herpes virus type 1 is the cause of cold sores. These can also lead to a genital herpes infection during oral sex.

Once you have genital herpes you are more likely to get infections of other kinds. This is not true. Genital herpes does not lead to other types of infections.