STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
Herpes (her-pees)
Herpes is a virus that is spread because of contact with infected skin on the genital area or through sex and remains with you for life. It can cause painful sores on the skin of the penis or vagina or inside the vagina. These sores can also help HIV enter the body. One of the biggest problems with Herpes is up to 80% of people with this infection don’t know they have it. Some people have a fever and feel tired when they first get it and others will get really sick making it hurt to urinate (or they can’t urinate), it hurt to walk and it can spread through their nervous system. These people need treatment in a hospital. For those who have recurrent sores it usually just affects the genital area and the discomfort can be treated outside of the hospital. These individuals may also feel a tingling or burning feeling in the area a few days before the actual sores re-appear. Sores can also develop outside of the genital area. Even if you don’t have sores/symptoms you can infect other people and babies during childbirth.
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Herpes Herpes simplex virus (hsv) |
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How You Know You Have It |
Usually You Don’t (Asymptomatic); Painful Sores, |
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How You Get It |
Sex: Vaginal, Penile, Anal, Oral; Mother to baby; Skin Contact |
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How You Get Checked For It |
Q tip test; Blood test |
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How You Prevent It |
Abstinence; Condoms Do Not Protect You |
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How You Get Rid of It |
There Is No Cure |
