The Insider: Contributed by nicolexue

5 things you didn't know about genital herpes from STDromance.com

nicolexue — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:16:16 GMT

1 Common, but on the decline Nationwide, at least 45 million people ages 12 and older -- or one out of five adolescents and adults -- have had genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or type 2. Over the past decade, the percentage of Americans with genital herpes has decreased, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. It's more common in women (about one out of four women) than men (almost one out of eight). 2 Symptoms Most people who have genital herpes don't know it because they've never had any symptoms or don't recognize them. But often, when a person becomes infected for the first time, symptoms appear in two to 10 days. Early signs include a tingling feeling or itching in the genital area, or pain in the buttocks or down the leg. Blisters typically appear on or around the genitals or rectum. You can still infect a partner if sores aren't visible. 3 New research Some clinical trials are testing drugs aimed at disrupting genes or enzymes that the virus needs to survive. Several vaccines are in various stages of development, as well as gels or creams that a woman could insert into the vagina before sex to prevent infection in herself and her partner. 4 Pregnancy If a woman has her first episode of genital herpes while she's pregnant, she can pass the virus to her unborn child and may deliver a premature baby. Half of the babies infected with herpes either die or suffer nerve damage. If a pregnant woman has an outbreak and it is not the first one, her baby's risk of being infected during delivery is very low. 5 Donating blood People with herpes can donate blood. According to the American Red Cross, individuals taking antiviral medication (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) will need to wait 48 hours after their last dose before donating blood. The American Red Cross says those currently experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes should not donate blood. More at http://www.STDromance.com

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A Heartfelt Message From Michelle Williams

nicolexue — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:24:17 GMT

shared this to my friends at STDromance.com

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Herpes Home Treatment ,Three Simple Steps to Ease Discomfort

nicolexue — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:22:32 GMT

Having a Herpes outbreak or recurrence can be painful, uncomfortable, and taxing on your emotional state of mind. The nagging reminder that you feel can really disrupt your day and make it difficult for every day living. Here are a three herpes home treatment tips for easing the discomfort so that you can move on and live your day to day life. 1. Salt Bath- Using a salt bath to wash the genital area, can clean, soothe and dry the sores. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow bath. 2. Pain relievers-Using simple analgesics (such as aspirin and paracetamol), ice (which can be soothing if applied directly to the sores) and creams with an anesthetic component can help. Creams, however, can slow down drying, which is an important part of the healing process, and should therefore be used sparingly and only for pain relief. In addition, topical creams have limited value on already moist mucosal surfaces, particularly in women. 3. Loose Under Clothing-Using Cotton,(not nylon), can help minimize discomfort and allow healing. Again, you want to find ways to increase the air flow, thus improving the drying process. While experiencing a recurrence, don’t stress. It really makes the symptoms worse. Keep a clear head, and stay positive! This method of Herpes home treatment works well, especially at the end of the work day. When you get home, draw up the salt bath, take a few pain relievers, and then dry off and put on the loose fitting under clothes. Try to minimize friction, and movement around the genital area. For More Information on Herpes Home Treatment and Remedies, Visit our Blog at STDromance.com

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