1. TOP 15 Herpes Misleading Myths & Herpes Facts
“Rumors end in the wise man” , Many people always believe some misleading
herpes myths since they found that they have herpes. Are they stupid? No, as
we know, people believe it because of the fear of herpes. Here
Herpesdatingsite.biz will tell you the top 15 herpes misleading myths & herpes
facts. Hope it is useful for you.
1. Now that I have genital herpes, I should never have sex again. Myths
Herpes Fact: You can still have sex if you have genital herpes. (Please do!) It
is, however, important to avoid sexual contact if you have any symptoms, or
oral or genital sores. Also, due to asymptomatic viral shedding (you don’t have
any signs or symptoms but the virus is present on the skin), you could still be
contagious even though sores are not present. You should always use safer
sex barriers even when you are asymptomatic. It is important to note, too, that
the virus can be transmitted orally, to the genitals, during oral sex. Recently,
Valtrex (an antiviral drug used to treat herpes) was found to help reduce the
risk of transmission.
2. The only people who get genital herpes are those who are sexually
promiscuous. Myths
Herpes Fact: Genital herpes is very common. It is estimated that upwards of
50 –80% of the population in North America has herpes, either type 1 or type 2.
Many of these people don’t realize they do as a herpes test is not often a part
of regular STD screening. You can get genital herpes even if you’ve had only
one or two sexual partners. The truth of the matter is we often have unsafe sex
with those we love, and therefore place ourselves at risk of getting herpes from
our partners. Anytime that you engage in unsafe sex practices with anyone
you increase your risk for all STDs.

2. 3. Cold sores aren’t associated with genital herpes. Myths
Herpes Fact: Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. If you
have oral-genital sex with someone who has a cold sore, this virus can give
you genital herpes. The likelihood of this is particularly high during a primary
outbreak. Washing with soap and water after a sexual encounter can help
decrease the risk of this type of transmission. Also, barriers such as dental
dams can be used during oral sex to help protect against herpes and other
STDs. Please see our safer sex page for more on this topic.
4. Genital herpes can spread from one part of your body to another.
TRUTH
Herpes Fact: You can potentially spread the virus by touching a genital
herpes sore and then another part of your body, which is called autoinoculation.
This is particularly true during a primary initial outbreak (the first outbreak of
genital herpes in people who have never been exposed to the herpes virus
before). In general, autoinoculation is very uncommon after the primary initial
outbreak, because your immune system has been established against herpes
simplex. If possible, avoid contact with the sores. Practice normal hygienic
precautions, i.e. wash your hands with soap after touching your genitals, going
to the washroom, etc..
5. You can contract genital herpes from toilet seats. Myths
Herpes Fact: The genital herpes virus dries out when it is exposed to air, and
is quite fragile. There have been no proven cases of genital herpes
transmission from a toilet seat..
6. I don’t have any symptoms, so I don’t have herpes. Myths
Herpes Fact: Many people do not experience any symptoms when having an

3. outbreak or they are so mild that they go unnoticed. This is why 50-80% of
people who have herpes don’t even realize they carry the virus and
unknowingly infect others. Misdiagnosis is also common; herpes can be
mistaken for razor rash, zipper burn, pimples, bug bites and recurrent yeast
infections.
.
7. Stress can trigger an outbreak of herpes. TRUTH
Herpes Fact: It is believed that physical and emotional stress can trigger an
outbreak of genital herpes in some people. Stress can compromise your
immune system. Getting adequate rest, exercising regularly and eating well
are all great ways to reduce stress and strengthen your immune system.
8. If you have genital herpes, you may be more susceptible to HIV.
TRUTH
Herpes Fact: People who have genital herpes may be more likely to acquire
HIV than those who don’t have genital herpes. If you are exposed to HIV
during sexual contact and have genital sores, HIV can find easy entry into your
body. During an outbreak of genital herpes, CD4 cells, which fight against the
herpes infection, are found at the base of the herpes lesion. These cells are
the main cells attacked by HIV. Herpes lesions also provide easier access for
transmission of all STDs.( check: http://www.hivpositivedatingsites.net )
.
9. Genital herpes can make me sterile. Myths
Herpes Fact: Genital herpes cannot make you sterile. However, chlamydia
and some other sexually transmitted diseases can cause sterility, especially if
they go untreated. It is a good idea to be tested for these, and all STDs on a
regular basis, as well as always using safer sex barriers (condoms and dental
dams) during sex.

4. 10. I get a PAP smear, am tested for STDs annually and my results have
always been negative, so I don’t have genital herpes. Myths
Herpes Fact: Type-specific serology tests and viral cultures are the best way
to diagnose genital herpes and are not normally conducted during a woman’s
annual examination. PAP smears do not detect herpes simplex virus infections.
Also, a herpes test is not included in the standard regime of STD tests. If you
are concerned that you may have genital herpes, ask your healthcare provider
specifically to test you for genital herpes.
11. I can’t have children because I have genital herpes and will pass it on
to my baby when I give birth. Myths
Herpes Fact: If you are not having an outbreak during the birth, there is
generally no virus present in the birth canal to infect the baby. It is, however,
possible that a newborn baby can be infected with the herpes virus if your
infection is active at the time of birth. In rare cases, this is avoided by
performing a caesarean section to reduce the contact between the infection
and the baby. Please talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to
become pregnant.
12. I will now get all kinds of other infections because I have herpes.
Myths
Herpes Fact: Most people who have herpes do not have any other infection.
Rarely, some people with herpes develop cellulitis, which is an uncommon
bacterial infection due to bacteria entering the genital herpes sores. Cellulitis
causes a deep red rash and is often associated with tenderness and fever.
This infection can be treated with antibiotics.
13. My partner and I only have oral sex but not intercourse, so I am safe
from contracting herpes. Myths

5. Herpes Fact: Most type 1 genital herpes is transmitted by unprotected oral
sex. The type 1 herpes virus can be spread through oral sex; meaning, if your
partner has a cold sore, herpes can be transmitted to you in the form of genital
herpes. Conversely, the opposite is true; if your partner has genital herpes, it
can be transmitted to you in the form of cold sores. It is important to use barrier
protection (dental dams or Saran wrap that is non-microwaveable) during oral
sex. In fact, you should always use safer sex, even when you are
asymptomatic (no sores are present). Please see our safer sex page for more
information. ( check more on womenwithherpes.org)
14. I have been in a monogamous relationship with my partner for
several years and just been diagnosed with genital herpes. My partner
must have cheated on me! Myths
Herpes Fact: You or your partner may have contracted the virus from a sexual
partner a long time ago, or you or your partner may have had genital herpes all
along without knowing it. As mentioned previously, genital herpes outbreaks
can occur with very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. So, the fact is, he or she
may not have “cheated on you”. It is a good idea to have an open, honest
conversation with your partner about your diagnosis without making any
assumptions.
15. I have just been diagnosed with herpes. I can’t tell anyone or they will
not want to have anything to do with me. Myths
Herpes Fact: The fears that surround talking about this virus are greater than
actually talking about it. Educating yourself about the virus, and learning how
to talk to others about it, is vital.
More information about herpes facts, herpes treatment, herpes support, check
http://www.herpesdatingsite.biz - NO.1 support group and social site for all
people with herpes, HSV-1, HSV-2, HPV, HIV/AIDS etc.