Is It Possible to Get the Initial Outbreak of Herpes and It Never Show Up Again

Herpes is 1 of the virtually stigmatized, feared, and misunderstood sexually transmitted infections (STI). We exam many patients for herpes at our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, and nosotros become lots of positive results, which understandably crusade lots of feet for affected patients. In this weblog, nosotros'll pause it down for you. Bottom line: In that location'due south no demand to freak out about positive results.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus, which tin can cause painful sores on the oral cavity and/or genitals.

• HSV-1 primarily causes sores on the oral cavity. It can be contracted by kissing a person with the virus, or sharing personal items (e.g., utensils, lipsticks, or toothbrushes).

• HSV-2 usually causes genital lesions and is by and large transmitted by sexual contact.

It used to exist said that "HSV-1 causes lesions in a higher place the waist and HSV-two causes lesions beneath the waist," just this an oversimplification: Oral HSV-1 can be communicated to the genitals by oral sexual activity and genital HSV-2 can exist similarly communicated to the mouth. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause lesions in the mouth, the genitals, and in other areas (around the anus, in the eyes, or in areas where peel has been traumatized).

At our OBGYN offices in Queens and Long Island, we provide STI testing for hundreds (mayhap thousands) of women each twelvemonth, and diagnosis of genital canker is incredibly common. Women are understandably shocked when they hear that they've tested positive, and we oftentimes take to "talk them off the ledge." There are a lot of myths and misconceptions almost herpes out at that place. Here are iv reasons why a positive herpes exam is non the end of the world.

• Exposure to HSV is very common. When we examination for canker, nosotros do blood tests which tell united states whether your immune system has ever "seen" the herpes virus: Once y'all accept been exposed to herpes, your torso creates antibodies which will remain present for the rest of your life. Exposure is incredibly common: According to the CDC, about 1 in eight people ages 14 – 49 has been exposed to HSV-2, and half of people have been exposed to HSV-1. That's right…that proficient-looking guy you've been flirting with has about a 50% chance of having HSV-ane! Most people however are unaware that they have been exposed, because they've never noticed an outbreak. Information technology's not until patients are tested that they larn they accept HSV. Many people have been exposed to the virus, but are completely unaware.

• Symptoms of HSV are often curt-lived and mild. Many people who exam positive for herpes antibodies have no symptoms; often, they can't recall even a unmarried outbreak. Other individuals affected by the herpes virus have repetitive outbreaks of painful sores in or around the mouth or vagina; some may notice just vaginal irritation or discharge (FYI, if y'all have any of these symptoms, you should be seen ASAP). Generally, the first exposure to the herpes virus causes the most severe outbreak, during which skin lesions may be accompanied by systemic influenza-like symptoms. Recurrent outbreaks typically occur in the same location where the initial outbreak occurred, but recurrences tend to be mild.

Many people who live with herpes outbreaks learn that they are prone to certain "triggers": One patient tells me that she gets outbreaks when she'south slumber-deprived, and another tells me she gets lesions when she eats a lot of chocolate. People with herpetic infections can thus learn to manage their triggers to minimize the hazard of an outbreak.

For those who get frequent outbreaks—say, more than 3 or 4 per year—medications are bachelor which shorten the elapsing of symptoms and subtract the likelihood of spreading the virus. If you get frequent outbreaks and are take not discussed the possibility of using medications to suppress the herpes virus, you should call us for an appointment.

• HSV is Not a catastrophe in pregnancy. Many of my patients who are diagnosed with genital herpes are understandably worried about the implications herpes infection in pregnancy: They fright that won't be "allowed" to excogitate or will not be able to deliver vaginally. These myths exaggerate the true gamble of herpes in pregnancy. Infants are generally at risk merely if they pass through a birth culvert while their mother has an active HSV lesion. We carefully examine women in labor if they have a history of HSV, and if a lesion is seen, a C-department is advised. Medication is often used during the last few weeks of pregnancy to subtract viral shedding and reduce the chance of an outbreak on the day of childbirth. While many, many people test positive for prior exposure to herpes, information technology's rare for united states to have to do a c-section for this reason. For the vast majority of women, HSV infection has no consequences in pregnancy.

• Y'all can notwithstanding have sex. A diagnosis of genital herpes is not the end of your sex life. If one partner has a history of HSV infection, medication tin exist used to decrease viral shedding and reduce the run a risk of sexual transmission of the virus. Condoms tin drive this risk fifty-fifty lower. Of course, if you have a history of herpes infection, nosotros would encourage you lot to exist open up and honest with your partner so that yous tin work together to notice satisfying solutions.

A diagnosis of canker is non the end of the world, but women should know where they stand. We encourage testing for all sexually active women. If you doubtable you may accept had exposure to the herpes virus, you should come see us for an evaluation. Nosotros're hither to answer your questions candidly and discuss a long-term management strategy.

ramirezwhound.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.ilovemygyn.com/blog/4-reasons-not-to-freak-out-about-your-positive-herpes-test/