Question:
Okay, I graduated HS in 1997, so I'm not sure what they're teaching them these days, but I know back in my time, in sex ed, they made it sound as if using a condom protects you from all STDs, and as long as you're using a condom, everything will be alright.

For those of you who aren't aware of this, allow me to shead some light on it. When it comes to HSV & HPV it has everything to do with skin-to-skin contact, (often in areas NOT covered by a condom), and NOT with bodily fluid transmission. I enterred a relationship about a year ago and was responsible, had the "talk" before any below the belt action, used condoms EVERY time. After the relationship ended he got himself tested, (as everyone should at the end of a relationship, it's a good move), and he's positive for HSV-2 now. We're still friends, (mainly because I did the right thing in the beginning by telling him).

So, now I watch my friends, (many of whom are single), go out & get laid, no big deal, nohing to think about, because they wore condoms. I wanna scream at them - no, go get tested! Apparently the numbers are up to 25% these days - 1 in 4??? it's going to go way up, and I think it's due to the misconception that a condom protects you from it.

I'm not saying that us HSV sufferers should never be allowed to have human contact again, I just think people should be aware and informed.

When are they coming out with the vaccine? So I can stop feeling like a closet lepor? (sp?)

Answer:
my hs was egh not shy about it, but i dont ever rem them sitting there telling us about herpes-
but in college, for the hell of it i went to one of those sex ed night meeting, and WOW, grafic enough to scare you to never have sex again.

Answer:
I think there is a TON of ignorance where both HSV and HPV are concerned. It is very frightening. Hence my crusade for educating youngsters (AND adults) about the realities of both viruses, how you can contract them, etc. If I can inform and educate just a few people 1) maybe I can help them from catching either virus or 2) if they have it, help them understand it better 3) help them from being prejudice against those who DO have it.

But yeah, it is very frustrating.

Answer:
I agree with your frustration COMPLETELY.

Something that gets me is the fact that going to a clinic and asking for an STD test doesn't even test for HSV AND HPV!!! I can not believe that because that just means there are tons of people running around saying they are "clean" when really they are only clean from the ones you can cure.

I was told by all of my sexual partners that they were "clean", i used a condom every time, and now here I am with herpes.

Answer:
Hi ,

Im so sad just got told i have herpes.
I was so cautious all the time feel like my life is over
What now im totally depressed

Answer:
I graduated HS last year, 2006. And i would like to say my school did have a good Sex Education program which told us the only way to prevent STD's was to obstain from SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. This is where they went wrong. They failed to let us know you could get an STD from oral sex. So, here i am with HSV1. Just wanted to let you know, maybe they're getting a little better? But they need to let it out. ---You can be a virgin and contract HSV genitally---

Answer:
I agree that there is so much ignorance about HSV and HPV (both of which I have). People really do think that if they wear a condom, they're good, and they often don't equate cold sores with herpes. I asked once why they don't screen for herpes and the answer I got was that all the test would show is whether or not a person carries antibodies. The test would not show where in their body the virus resides (above or below the belt). But while I think HSV-1 is ever more common genitally, HSV-2 is pretty uncommon orally. So I think that having a positive HSV-2 test may tell you something, like there is a strong probability you have genital herpes. An HSV-1 test, especially these days, probably wouldn't tell you anything if you had never had a recognizable cold sore or outbreak. It would tell you to be on the lookout for symptoms either place, though.

The HPV test is a great one to get for all women especially. I found out I carry one of the strains that puts me at a higher risk for cancer, so I am that much more vigilant about getting pap smears.

Answer:
I am a physician and have genital herpes myself Also I have had many patients that I have treated. First let me say that over 35 % of the population has genital herpes. Most of them do not know it, because genetically our immune systems respond to the infection very differently. Some people never get an outbreak, others have very small lesions. Some women have cervicel outbreaks that are never observed.
The medicines like acyclovir do help. But I'm VERY excited about resveratrol which I take and have not had an outbreak since starting this supplement. Email me at Vita_min_md@yahoo.com for details. I dont make money or have a financial interest in any company which makes any meds or supplements.