How Do I Know if I Have Herpes

If you have had sex with someone with herpes, you are likely worried that you may have contracted the disease – and for good reason. The herpes simplex II virus (otherwise known as genital herpes), is a very contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can easily be passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse.  Even using a condom does not always protect you from contracting the disease, so anyone who has come in contact with a herpes patient should be checked by their physicians for the disease.

Everyone who comes in contact with an infected person in a sexual manner is at risk for catching herpes.  Of course, the most dangerous time to contract herpes from a partner is during an active outbreak, when they may have at least one open sore in their genital area. But, understand this important fact: even when the infection is not active (meaning there are no visible sores ion the sexual organ) the infection can still be spread from one partner to another.  Even a condom may not stop the disease form spreading; although it is important for herpes patients to always use a condom when having sex to help to at least try and stop it from spreading.

If you suspect that you may have contracted genital herpes from your partner, be sure to see your health care provider for proper testing. Keep in mind, however, that the most accurate test must be performed on an open sore, so your doctor may want to see you immediately should an outbreak occur to take a definitive test and begin treatment.

What about the other signs of genital herpes?  What should you be watching for to ensure your own sexual health?  If you suspect that your partner may have passed along this contagious infection during a sexual encounter, be sure to watch for these common signs and symptoms of genital herpes:

• inflammation and swelling of the sexual organ
• a burning, itching or pained sensation in and around the genital area
• blisters forming around the genitals
• open sores which ooze , then scab over and heal within a week or so
• swollen glands
• fever
• headache
• a burning sensation when urinating
• muscle aches
• overall feeling unwell

Keep in mind that these are all symptoms of an active herpes outbreak, but not everyone notices such an outbreak after they have contracted the disease.  Research shows that more than 90% of all herpes victims have no signs of the disease for weeks or even months after contracting it.  This, of course, can make it hard to know that you have contracted this very contagious infection, which may allow you to spread it to other partners without even realizing it.

Women, especially may not experience their first outbreak for several weeks following contamination and this can leave them open to spreading the disease should they become involved with multiple partners during this time period.

Contracting herpes during the early stages of pregnancy can also be a danger, making it especially important to watch for signs of the infection, especially if you suspect that your partner may have passed it along to you.

If you suddenly experience an outbreak of blisters or open sores, be sure to have them checked right away by your health care provider, who will likely test you for herpes. 

If you have indeed contracted the disease, you will likely experience periodic outbreaks when stressed, ill, change your diet or engage in vigorous sexual activity.  Most people report experiencing about 4-6 outbreaks per year.  But, some people experience less. It should also be noted that each outbreak tends to decrease in severity, which is good since they last for shorter periods of time and are a lot less painful. This decrease in severity, however, can sometimes make it difficult to recognize an attack, which could put your partner at further risk of contracting the infectious disease.

Keep in mind that herpes is not curable and you will have to take precautions to protect your partners for the rest of your life, whether you are symptomatic or not.

The important thing to remember when dealing with herpes Simplex Virus II is to take it very seriously.   Easy to pass along to another, it can be a very painful disease, both physically and emotionally and should be dealt with properly to ensure that it is not passed along to future partners.  Most doctors will recommend a course of maintenance medication to stave off a painful attacks and recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse during an attack.

Want to learn more about genital herpes and how you can protect yourself (and your partners) from contracting this highly contagious infection? For more information, talk to your health care provider or contact the National Herpes Hotline at 919-361-8488.

Genital Herpes and Pregnancy

Herpes is an active long-term infection (that is why it is called a sexually transmitted infections STI), that can affect your body and health in a variety of ways, including both your ability to get pregnant and sustain a pregnancy to give birth to a healthy fulltime infant.

The facts surrounding genital herpes and pregnancy can sometimes be confusing to understand because there are so many differing options circulating within the medical community. 

While it is generally understood that a baby will not contract the disease during delivery if no open sores or blisters are present, most doctors still recommend a C-section for the safety of the baby.  This can leave many women confused about how their herpes can and will affect their pregnancy and unborn baby.

Let’s start with what we do know: herpes does not seem to affect fertility in the least.  Other than the fact that it can delay a couple’s efforts in trying to conceive during an outbreak (when the couple must abstain from sexually intercourse), research indicates that it does not seem to cross over into other reproductive areas.

There is no evidence to support claims that it can lower a man’s sperm count or a woman’s ability to conceive in the first place. It does, however, offer some unique problems in regards to conception and pregnancy.  The biggest being what we already discussed: times of sexually abstaining due to an outbreak of the virus. This can leave some couple’s trying for months to get pregnant due to a lack of availability.

The second factor that must be considered when dealing with herpes and pregnancy is the chance of the baby contracting the disease during delivery. In most cases, the doctor will suggest that the mother undergo a C-section even if she is asymptomatic because of the slight chance that the virus could be undergoing viral shedding at the time of delivery.

Viral shedding is a period of time in which the virus reproduces itself and becomes just as contagious as it can be during an active outbreak. The problem is, there is no way to know when this viral shedding is occurring (it shows no signs and has no symptoms). Even a doctor can not tell you when viral shedding is occurring and there are no tests to check for it. 

Since a baby will likely contract the herpes disease during delivery if there is any sort of viral shedding or active outbreak, many doctors prefer to use caution and perform a C-section for the health and safety of the baby.  Others, however, may agree to a vaginal birth as long as no sores or blisters are detected wither in the genital area or deep within the vagina.

Why the difference I opinion?  Some researchers believe that taking such precautions (even during an active outbreak) are unnecessary because the mother passes along antibodies to her baby via her bloodstream throughout the pregnancy, making the baby immune to the herpes virus during and after the delivery. Still more research is needed in this area to ensure that a baby is not put at risk of the virus due to these antibodies.

There are two exceptions to be aware of in regards to the dangers of genital herpes and pregnancy:

1. When the first herpes episode is experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is when the virus is strongest and can cause miscarriage.
2. When the first herpes episode experienced in the third trimester of pregnancy. In this case, the baby has not had the time to develop the proper antibodies and resistance to the virus, in which case neonatal herpes may develop, which can result in infant death or stillborn at delivery.

Of course for either of these scenarios to happen, the mother would have to contract the disease during her pregnancy and exhibit symptoms (and active attack) during the first or last weeks of the pregnancy; which is rare indeed.  Women who have already been herpes victims prior to their pregnancy, these two scenarios are not something to worry about.

In short, genital herpes does not have to adversely affect your pregnancy or the health of your baby.  As long as you understand any risks that may entail and take the necessary steps to improve your chances of a good outlook your baby should be just fine. Talk to your doctor about what precautions he/she recommends during delivery and report any active outbreaks immediately to eliminate any concerns for the health and well being of either yourself or your baby.

For more detailed information about genital herpes and pregnancy, contact the Herpes Hotline at 919-361-8488 or the CDC Hotline at 1-800-232-4636.  They can give you the most up to date information about herpes and pregnancy.