Question:
If I was just diagnosed with anal herpes, does that mean I have vaginal herpes as well? I have not touched the sores with my hands and am very fasticious about washing my hands. Is there any way to find out for sure?
Or does it matter? I'm getting the impression that it doesn't matter.

Also I have been reading how clothes should only be worn once. I don't understand this...can the virus live in a pair of pants I wore two days ago?

I find life to be so unbearably cruel sometimes.

Answer:
Sorry, another question.

Is it also true if you're not touching yourself and wash your hands regularly, can you spread the virus to someone by just touching them and kissing them?

I'm beginning to feel like Typhoid Mary.

Answer:
Dear Typhoid Mary,

I don't think it is as bad as you think. I have had the virus for years before I knew I had it. For me it is active very infrequently and shows up on my buttocks as a round sore which usually lasts for a couple of weeks before crusting over and going away. I don't have any pain or flu like symptoms. It is just a nuisance for a few weeks. I would recommend you taking your questions either to your family doctor, an std clinic or to one of the web sites run by a reputable medical school like Harvard, Stanford or Cambridge England. I notice that these herpes sites all seem to be sponsered by pharmasudical companies who have a vested interested in selling their particular drug to worried people like you and I. I personally have little trust in the drug companies.

Answer:
Dear Guest,
I would treat anal herpes as vaginal herpes. I would catagorize it as herpes simplex 2. Of course, medical professionals should know better.

As far as the clothing is concerned, yes, it is true that the virus can live in cloth material for some time therefore reinfecting yourself if you rewear an item without washing it.

I don't know the particulars on the length of time the virus lives on cloth material but in my experience when a current lesion has contact with a cloth item, eg. bathing towels & washclothes or clothing that touches and rests on lesions, it will cause reinfections when you reuse it without washing the item.

It is vital and necessary to use once only and wash. Keep them seperated from all other items.

Always take care,
Black Orchid

Answer:
I have resently found out I have herpes and I believe I have had this for over a year be for I have had an outbreak. My boyfriend went out on me and I took him back and I feel this is when it accured. I have the tingle feeling now and I look back and I thought before it was bugs which sounds stupid. Now reality hits. I had meet someone just before my outbreak he has had a transplant and I don't know him well enough to trust him with this news. I live in a small town and this will destroy my family. I have been avoiding and further intimate sex but I feel I am going to have to end this relationship. I want someone to talk to that has had experience with herpes so I can get first hand answers to my questions. :oops:

Answer:
Get this story, the girl who gave it to me knew she had it and didnt care to tell me that she had it or to wear a condom. It didnt show for 5 months , which is now and i have since started seeing this girl that i really like alot and im going to have to end it with her. She going to want to know why and im going to have to make a lie up. At least we didnt have any kind of sex yet, the only person ive told is my mother i think i have it. Im a good-looking 26 year old who had his whole life together, this girl knew what she had but had to ruin my life and not even care about doing it. Now i have to end a relationship with a girl whos great. Go figure.

Answer:
Get this story, the girl who gave it to me knew she had it and didnt care to tell me that she had it or to wear a condom. It didnt show for 5 months , which is now and i have since started seeing this girl that i really like alot and im going to have to end it with her. Wow - why? I'm surprised you are assuming you have to break up with her. Isn't there ANY chance she'd understand the circumstances wherein you got Herpes, and continue seeing you? If you bail on this relationship without being honest, what are you going to do in future relationships - you'll still have to tell them about it. I told the last girl I was dating (before sleeping with her of course) and we are still going out.

Tell her!