How to Avoid Getting Genital Herpes

Genital herpes, or herpes simplex type II virus, can't be cured once it's contracted. The virus can stay dormant for long periods of time, but stress or illness can trigger outbreaks.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Female Condoms

1. Use a condom during sex unless you are in a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Spermicides help to kill the virus, so for extra protection apply spermicidal foam or jelly to your genitals.

2. Ask new partners whether they've been tested for the virus and whether they've always practiced safe sex. One in six adults in the United States carry it, so don't assume your partner is infection-free.

3. Prevent recurrences: Protect your immune system, since viruses such as the flu provoke outbreaks.

4. Eat well and take a multivitamin and vitamin C supplement daily. Exercise and get adequate sleep. Reduce stress, since anxiety can trigger outbreaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Although herpes simplex type I typically occurs in the mouth and type II in the genital area, oral sex can spread either to both parts of the body.
• Women with genital herpes have an increased risk of cervical cancer and should get regular pap tests.
• If you have the virus, anti-viral medications can control outbreaks and symptoms. Three that are available are acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir.
• Condoms cut down on the spread of herpes, but they are not 100 percent foolproof.
• Evidence suggests that herpes can be spread even when there is no visible outbreak.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[jasondmx2]

on 8/2/2009 The first comment is totally incorrect, Outbreak or not you can be tested for herpes. Positive results are marked by the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus. Secondly, alexandriaR's comment is also incorrect. Regular antiviral administration (suppressive therapy) can suppress the herpes virus and reduce the chances of outbreaks.

[alexandriaR]

on 1/14/2008 Antiviral medicine is expensive AND it specifically says to take it during the outbreak. Take Licorice Root/BHT. Check out the articles in Science Journal America. Regular ole Licorice Root, OR GA extract from it. And BHT is a food preserveative. LicoriceBHT.com has a compilation. No creams or miracle drugs kill the root of the problem.

[nicolexue]

on 10/10/2007 of course,you need safe sex. http://www.STDromance.com is a STD info and dating place for Herpes singles

on 6/30/2006 If you know your partner had herpes in the past, your partner can take a prescription medicine that lowers their chances of giving the herpes virus to you.

Acyclovir, famciclovir and/or valcyclovir are medicines used to treat herpes sores and to lower the amount of virus a person sheds even when they don't have sores. Your partner can be shedding virus and give you the infection even when they don't have any sores.

on 6/30/2006 Get adequately tested on a regular basis and use protection until you and your partner have had the tests.

As it is not a routine test you have to ask for it explicitly. And remember even the most trustworthy person probably had (a) not so trustworthy partner(s) at some stage in their lives.