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Herpes Support Network

Dynamiclear - hoax or promising new herpes treatment?

Posted on 2007-Nov-14 at 07:33

There has been a lot of hype about the herpes and cold sore treatment DYNAMICLEAR.  Does it really work?  The solution was recently put to the test by the HC support center and this is what they reported:

Advantages

There are no known side-effects. 

This is a huge plus in terms of long term health, especially since side-effects are a common concern with conventional herpes treatments. Dynamiclear is made of all natural ingredients (based on a mineral compound and herb formulation) with the only negative effect being a stinging sensation that you should feel when it is applied to the infection.

It is a “single dose” application. 

The solution is odorless and does not have to be applied more than once (per sore) during any given outbreak.  Unlike some creams and ointments, it does not have to be applied at times when there are no symptoms.  If you have tried other topical products you will appreciate the concept of a clean and concise ‘single’ application. This sets Dynamiclear apart from all other topical treatments on the market because it only needs to be applied 1 time per outbreak. 

One 12mL bottle goes a long way.

There is enough solution in a standard bottle of Dynamiclear to potentially treat 80 to 100 outbreaks. This is because the solution is concentrated and only 1 to 3 "drops" (applied to a wet cotton swab) are used at one time. So when you do the math, in the majority of cases, one bottle can last between several months to a year, or longer, and that is with regular use.

Super fast healing. 

Dynamiclear tends to work faster than any other product used, with noticeable results starting within hours and sometimes minutes after making the application. This may be part of the reason why it is called Dynamiclear which means “Power Clear” in ancient Greek.

The Clinical Trial results are encouraging and give new hope to sufferers of this virus. 

Recent Clinical Trials demonstrate that the Dynamiclear formulation is a safe and effective treatment for Herpes simplex infections. This is particularly good news for people who are looking for an alternative treatment to the conventional suppressive medications.

Future outbreaks are affected and continue to reduce with each application. 

Considering that this is a topically applied product (not a pill) this has got to be one of the best advantages of Dynamiclear, the fact that once it is applied it continues to affect the virus' cycles. Typically, the symptoms will become less severe and less frequent if used consistently (once per outbreak).

Website offers clinically proven supplements to prevent recurrences.

You can buy Dynamiclear as part of a 'combination package' which contains a selection of supplements and herbs that are recommended to help suppress outbreaks. Its called the Dynamiclear Combat Kit.

There is a money-back guarantee if it does not work for you. 

No product will work for everyone and in the plight to overcome herpes it is likely that you will spend a lot of money trying to find that one product (or combination of products) that actually works for you. Dynamiclear has a good success rate but even better is the fact that you can get a refund on your money if it doesn't work for you and you have a six month trial period to do so.

Disadvantages

This product is only suitable for people who experience ‘active’ outbreaks. 

If you do not have any visible skin irritation with your outbreaks (such as a lesion, pimple, cut, tear or break in the skin) then Dynamiclear will not be of any use to you. It needs to be applied to an ‘active’ infection in order for the solution to be able to make contact with the virus and to be effective.  If you fall into this category, take a look at their companion products which could be helpful.

It has to sting to work. 

When applied to normal, intact skin the Dynamiclear solution will not cause any stinging, but when it is applied to viral, bacterial or fungal matter a stinging sensation should be expected. It is similar to an antiseptic lotion in this sense - the stinging is a sign that the application is working.

Over-applying this solution is a big no-no.

The Dynamiclear solution is quite strong (which is why it appears to work so powerfully on outbreaks) and only needs to be applied once per outbreak, that is, once per sore / infection site. The manufacturer’s Directions for Use has a good guide to how and when to make the application and covers exceptions to this rule (such as if you apply the solution early, you may like to make a second application later on, etc).

This product does not work for everyone.

Unfortunately no one product ever will.  Although Dynamiclear may work well for a lot of people there are people who will not respond to the treatment. The product does provide a six month satisfaction guarantee so if it does not help it can at least be returned for a refund.

More Information:

Dynamiclear Helpful Hints

Where you can buy Dynamiclear

Genital Herpes Transmission

Posted on 2007-Jul-30 at 04:12

There are 50 million people in the United States that are living with this disease. That’s an amazingly high number. Some people may say that it’s not surprising to them. There is no secret about it, genital herpes is considered one of the most careless sexually transmitted disease. Nobody ever thinks that something will happen to them, it’s human nature. But it can and it does, and that number of 50 million proves that.

The best thing for you to do is to learn about safe sex. If you don’t understand how the disease works then how will you know how to protect yourself from it, or any other sexually transmitted disease for that fact. It’s simple you won’t.

There are many myths surrounding the transmission of genital herpes:

Myth #1: If you don’t have an outbreak then you are not contagious.

This has been proven to be wrong. You can still transmit the virus to another person even if you do not have an outbreak, or if you feel the onset of an outbreak.

Myth #2: Condoms are 100% guarantee

No! Just because you put on a condom does not mean that you don’t run the risk of contracting the virus. Yes it’s great that your wearing one and you should every single time that you have sex, but it’s not a guarantee.

Myth #3: Genital Herpes Can’t Be Transmitted Through Oral Sex

This is absolutely false. There are two different types of herpes – herpes simplex one, and herpes simplex two.

Herpes simplex type 1 is that occasional cold sore on or around your mouth. You have probably even have this once or twice throughout your life.

Herpes simplex type 2 is the genital herpes strand. And there will be visible sores on your genitals.

If someone with herpes simplex one gives another person oral sex, there is a great possibility that the herpes virus will be transmitted. Just when you think you are safe, huh.

So how do you protect yourself from contracting genital herpes.

Of course abstinance is the recommended action to take, but we all know how that goes. Some of the things that you can do, is talk with your partner.

Here are some of the symptoms of genital herpes and it can take anywhere between two days up to two weeks for symptoms to show:

· Itchy genitals or the surrounding area.

· Small blisters in the vagina, the vulva, the penis, the testicles, on or around the anus, the thighs or your buttocks.

· Lumps in the groin area, these can be mild.

· Fever and headaches.

· Painful sores.

· Pain or discomfort when you urinate.

· Slight tingling or burning sensation. This is a sign that an outbreak will soon follow.

Genital herpes has no cure, the only things that you can do is get relief from the painful outbreaks. But you will never have complete freedom from the virus. It’s important that you eat right, and take good care of yourself if you are living your life with genital herpes. It is very difficult, but you can lead a very normal life.  The most important things to remember is that you need to take good care of yourself, and be very careful while having sex. Practice safe sex every single time that you have sex, this involves wearing a condom, not being with someone who has visible sores, and knowing who you are being with. There are far too many people out there having sex with people they hardly know, this is one of the reasons that genital herpes effects so many Americans.


 

Herpes Survival Manual - Free yourself now (free download)

Posted on 2007-Jul-13 at 08:23

Just because you have herpes doesn’t mean that you need to climb into a hole somewhere and suffer alone. It’s important that you first understand that you are not alone and there are ways to free yourself from frequent outbreaks of this disease. There are many herpes treatments available to you, let's look at some of the things you can do to help yourself take control of the disease.

It’s important that you are aware of what you are putting into your body. Eating properly will help to boost your body function. There are certain types of foods that you should stay away from because they are known to reduce your body’s immune system. Sugar is one of those food items that will need to stay clear of. You will need to stay away from eating foods that have a high amount of arginine, which is an amino acid. Too much of this arginine can cause an outbreak, the herpes virus needs this amino acid to grow and multiply. Foods that contain high amounts of this are peanuts, chocolate, raisins, and grains such as wheat. Your diet should consist of vegetables, chicken, fish, beans and eggs. You can learn more about Arginine and Lysine.

Environment toxins will also effect your immune system, and we are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals every single day. These toxins begin to build up in our tissues and affect our bodies immune system. There are things that you can do to cleanse out your system, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Stress is the most common trigger of an outbreak. But this stress is not a result of the million things that you are trying to get done on a daily basis, it’s due to the physical stress of the sunlight or exercising too hard. Mediation can help relieve this physical stress as well as many other stress relief techniques that should be practiced.

Getting enough sleep is very important to your immune system. Many people need 8 hours of sleep, but there are some people who do need more in order for their bodies to repair itself and restore their energy as well.  Depriving yourself of the proper amounts of sleep can pull down your defense again viral and bacterial infections.

The last two important things that you need in order to survive herpes and live a normal life is to exercise and take dietary supplements.

Exercising will relieve stress, and help you to get to bed on time. Working out just 30 minutes with an aerobic exercise will boost your immunity, so it’s important that you fit 30 minutes a day into your daily routine. You can go for a walk or a quick run, but it’s something that you need to incorporate into your life especially now that you have Herpes. Just don’t over exert yourself because it will have the opposite effect that you are trying to achieve.

Taking dietary supplements and eating a health and well balanced meals will dramatically improve your life and build a health immune system. This will allow you go through each day outbreak free. Look into taking a daily vitamin every morning with breakfast. And maybe some other helpful herbs such as, echinancea, goldenseal, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, kava kava, valerian root and use garlic often. All of these will help you to live life free of stress within your body.

It’s difficult living with Herpes and it can often make you angry and depressed. But the best thing that you can do is find a way to be positive, and thankful that you are alive and can enjoy a full life with your family and loved ones.

Having a positive attitude, eating right and taking care of yourself will definitely change the way that Herpes will affect your life. There are many herpes survival manuals available for free on the internet, get them, read them and test everything. Don’t allow herpes virus to take over your life, you need to take control of it.


 

Join our community today Boost your Immune system, beat the virus!

Posted on 2007-Jul-10 at 10:18

It can be an extremely difficult change to your entire life when you are diagnosed with herpes. There are going to be many things that you will need to do in order to remain healthy so you can go through your life without many outbreaks.

Understanding the disease that you are currently living with is the first step to getting the proper knowledge that will allow you to live your life as normal as you possibly can. Don’t get me wrong your entire life is not going to be completely different but you there are many things in it that will need too if you want to live life without worries and fears. Joining a community that will help you to better understand herpes is a great place to begin.

A herpes community will give you many different tips and suggestions on how to boost your immune system so you can fight the virus instead of it winning your life. There are many different types of herpes support available online and you should begin finding the one that you feel comfortable in.

Boosting your immune system will allow you to improve your chances of having minimal outbreaks, and even a chance to have none at all. A weak immune system will allow the herpes virus to rule your life, and force you to work around it.

There are many different vitamins and minerals that you can take that would be extremely beneficial to you such as zinc, vitamin C, E, and B complex. These will less the frequency, severity and even how long the outbreak will last. Like any other virus, or disease you always put up a much better fight if you are eating right and taking vitamins to strengthen your immune system. And it’s no difference when you are suffering from the herpes virus, your body needs to be strong enough to fight it off, and there are many things that you need to due to ensure that it is strong enough – eat right, take vitamins and supplements and working out to stay healthy.

There are also many things that you should avoid when you have herpes, such as certain foods that you should incorporate into your diet, and others that you should stay away from. Often many people don’t know that their diet plays a huge role in their outbreaks and obtaining this knowledge can honestly save you from the pain that you can potentially endure from your outbreaks.

If you were to join a community it will help you to learn the many available options that you have to live your life to it’s fullest capabilities. And often you will find this help with herbs, programs, and even the combinations of different therapies that will help to get the control back into your life. It’s not easy going through life worrying and talking with others will help the worrying to dwindle away and give you hope for that normal life you once lived.

There is nothing more difficult that living life normal, and all of a sudden having everything change in an instant. And having the chance to talk to others that are going through the exact same thing you are going through is a great way to understand the many different emotions that you are having, and it will really help to deal with it much easier. Everybody needs help and there is no shame in it, especially when you are looking for ways to find the right herpes support so you can stay healthy and bet the virus.

8 things you need to know if you have been recently diagnosed with genital herpes and it isn't isolation!

Posted on 2007-Jun-25 at 06:34

If you have been recently diagnosed with genital herpes then you need to read this article. You probably have so many thoughts running through your head right now, and I sure there has been a million questions that you need answers too.

What I am about to talk about will hopefully help with everything you are feeling and thinking. with this herpes information.

Here are ten things you need to know about:

1. How will having genital herpes affect your life

Just because you have herpes doesn’t mean that your life as you know is going to end, it’s not. But it will change in some aspects, such as more frequent visits to the doctor’s and a small change in your diet.

2. The complications of Having Herpes

There are no other types of complications that will occur because of this disease, unless you are pregnant when you have your first outbreak. It will then of course be spread to your unborn baby.


3. Ways to prevent from spreading it to your partner

Understanding the signs of an outbreak is a important part of not spreading the disease to your partner.

Some of these symptoms that you will experience will tell you that you are about to have outbreak and you are contagious at this point:

  a. burning
  b. itching
  c. fever
  d. headache
  e. pain during urination
  f. flu like symptoms and general fatigue

It’s also important that you are using a condom even when you don’t think that you are contagious.


4. How to treat outbreaks

There are ways to treat your outbreaks to keep the suffering to a minimum, with prescription drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and changing what you eat. These are just a few of the things that will help there are plenty of other types of treatments available. Such as, Dynamiclear which is used on active skin lesions, and is designed to clear up your outbreaks quicker.

It’s important to understand that just because something works for some does not mean that it is going to work for you. Everybody’s bodies are different and sometimes they will need a certain combination of things.

5. How to prevent outbreaks

Eating right is the main thing that will help to prevent outbreaks from occurring, and combining this with some type of treatment. There are many types of things that will bring on an outbreak here is a short list of some of these things:

  a. exposure of the area to strong sunlight,
  b. drinking to much alcohol
  c. friction or damage to the skin, either from jeans or sex
  d. stress that last for an extended amount of time.

6. Pain Relieving Tips

There are many ways that will help to relieve the pain of an outbreak, and there are tons of topical creams that you can put on the infected area. There are also some herbs that will help to reduce the pain as well.

7. Herpes support

Talking with other people that are going through the same thing that you are is always comforting, so it’s important that you find some support groups in your area, or a forum online.

8. How to tell your partner

It’s not going to be an easy thing but you have to tell him or her, this is probably going to be the hardest thing you will have to do.

I wish I could tell you the exact words and tone to use but I can’t. All I can tell you is that you need to be prepared for the questions that they will ask. Hey and you never know your partner may just be supportive and understanding and become your biggest form of support.

It’s important that you learn as much as you possibly can about living with this disease, because having it does not mean that you need to go into hiding. All it means is that you have to be a lot more careful.

 

 

Are cold sores herpes? The age old question answered.

Posted on 2007-Jun-19 at 02:16

Yes, coldsores ARE herpes! 

They are a form of the herpes simplex virus and, like herpes, cold sores are contagious.

Cold sores are also known as fever blisters, oral herpes, herpes simplex, primary herpetic gingivostomatitis, HSV-1 or herpes labialis.

They are lesions that occur on the mouth, lip and facial area and are caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) the same virus that causes genital herpes.  But don't be fooled, cold sores can also appear nearby on the nose (nostrils), cheeks, chin, scalp, ears and fingers.

Okay, there is a lot of confusion over this topic so I thought I would help to set the record straight.

Are cold sores like "genital herpes"?

Yes. They are very similar in nature because they are both caused by the herpes virus.

Cold sores are caused by a type of the herpes virus, but, it is rarely the same virus strand that causes genital herpes.

Cold sores are typically caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1).

Genital herpes on the other hand is usually caused by a different strand of the virus called Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2).

However, it is possible to transfer the different viruses to other areas of the body. HSV1 (or cold sores) can be transferred to the genitals through oral sex. In the same way, HSV2 (or genital herpes) can be transferred to the mouth.

How common are cold sores?

Cold sores are very common. It is estimated that 80% percent of the American population have been exposed to the Herpes simplex virus (which is the virus that causes cold sores). 

This is staggering!  It means that statistically, 8 out of 10 people have experienced a cold sore or have the cold sore virus in their body.

An interesting fact is that although a person has been infected with the herpes and cold sore virus, they may not necessarily experience an outbreak. This is because some people's immune systems have the ability to completely suppress the virus.

Where do cold sores usually appear?

Cold sores are usually confined to the mouth area (particularly on and around the lip).

Less commonly, cold sores can occur on other facial areas such as above the mouth, the nose, nostrils, cheek or chin. Cold sores can also appear on the fingers, this is referred to as Herpes Whitlow.

Cold sores do not usually occur inside the mouth, however if they do, it is most likely on the gums or hard palette (roof of the mouth).

If the lesion appears inside the mouth, especially on the soft tissue, it is most likely to be a canker sore, not a cold sore. What Canker Sores look like.

When cold sores reoccur they will typically appear in the same location that they did during previous outbreaks.

What is the difference between Canker sores and Cold sores?

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are usually relatively easy to identify. To view pictures of the herpes virus (including cold sores and mouth herpes) visit the Herpes Pictures site.

There is another condition which can cause ulcers inside the mouth known as Canker sores. Canker sores are not a form of herpes, however, they are often confused and mistaken for cold sores.

Canker sores are ulcerations, especially of the lip or oral mucosa and can be caused by acute stress, trauma to the area in your mouth, allergies, or by a reaction to a particular bacteria.

Canker sores are not considered to be contagious. Cold sores and mouth herpes on the other hand are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can be very contagious.

Canker Sore information

Word from the wise - if you are experiencing ulcers on or inside of your mouth and do not know if it is coldsores or canker sores please visit your health care provider for a professional diagnosis. These two conditions can appear very similar and should not be self-diagnosed.

How can you get cold sores?

Cold sores are generally contracted from skin to skin contact with an infected area.

For example, if someone has a cold sore on their lip they can pass on the virus to another person's mouth through kissing.

The usual incubation period of the virus (time before any symptoms show) is approximately two to twelve days after the first exposure to the virus.

As most people contract cold sores before the age of seven, it is common for a person not to remember their first or 'primary' cold sore outbreak.

Once infected with cold sores, the virus remains inside the body in a latent (sleeping) state. Throughout a person's life the virus can then become "activated" causing a cold sore recurrence.

What causes a cold sore to come back? 

In technical terms, what "activates" a cold sore recurrence?

There are many factors that can influence or "trigger" a cold sore outbreak, however, it seems to be related to times when the immune system is lowered or run down.

Cold sore outbreaks can sometimes be triggered by the following:

  • Being run-down
  • Menstruation Cycle
  • Pregnancy
  • Drinking a lot of alcohol
  • Exposure of the area to strong sunlight
  • Conditions that compromise a person's immune system (where the body's immune system is not functioning normally)
  • Prolonged periods of stress
  • Fatigue
  • Ultraviolet light
  • Skin irritation (such as sunburn)
  • Diet and certain foods
  • Another illness (especially with fever)
  • Temperature extremes
  • Steroid medication (e.g., asthma medication)
  • Anything that lowers your immune system or causes local injury can trigger recurrences.

Herpes and the Immune System, an article on ways to boost the body's immune system against cold sores.

What are some signs and symptoms of a cold sore?

Before a cold sore appears the area will sometimes tingle, feel slightly raised and may appear red and inflamed.

This pain or tingling sensation is called the prodrome (or warning symptom) and typically occurs 1 to 2 days before the cold sore appears.

A cold sore generally appears as a small, fluid-filled blister which goes through a cycle of phases. The blister will usually weep (ulcerate) and form a scab or 'crusting' before healing and disappearing completely.

The duration of a typical cold sore outbreak may last from 8 to 12 days.

Stages of a typical cold sore episode

Are cold sores contagious?

Yes. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and, if the virus particles are transferred to another person they too can become infected.

Cold sores are typically spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with the virus. Kissing or rubbing against the infected area are common examples of how the virus particles can be transferred.

How is the cold sore virus spread?

If a person has an active cold sore on their lip the virus particles can be transferred to any part of the body that they kiss, including the mouth, face or the genitals.

Keeping this in mind, it is very important to avoid kissing and oral sex during an active bout of cold sores.

It should also be made aware that the virus is considered to be contagious from the very first sign of an outbreak (including the tingling, itching stage) until the area is completely healed again.

It is important to take precautions during an active cold sore outbreak to prevent the virus from spreading. Cold Sore Treatments such as Dynamiclear and Zovirax can help to shorten the duration of the outbreak dramatically.

Herpes and cold sores are most easily spread when a sore is present, but, the virus can also be spread at other times too. Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin.

These are called "Prodromal Symptoms" and they warn that the virus may be present on the skin. Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again.

Contact with the infected area (including oral sex, kissing and touch) is very risky during this time.

It is also possible to transmit virus particles to another person through intermediate objects such as a drinking glass, eating utensil, lip stick, lip gloss, toothbrush, or even a face cloth.

Can cold sores be transferred to another area of the body?

One kind of complication involves spreading the virus particles from the location of an outbreak to other places on the body by touching the infection. The fingers, eyes, and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way.

Preventing self-infection is simple. Do not touch the area during an outbreak. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible with soap and warm water. This will help prevent the virus from spreading further.

When are cold sores most contagious?

Cold sores are considered to be most contagious when the blisters have burst open and have begun to weep fluid. This is because the liquid held in these blisters contains literally millions of herpes simplex virus particles.

During an outbreak, the population of virus particles becomes less and less as the cold sore runs its course. There is a much smaller amount of virus particles present when the sore is healing and when the scab has formed.

However, as there are still virus particles present throughout every phase of the cold sore outbreak the infected area is still considered to be contagious until the skin has completely healed.

If you know that you have come into contact with the virus in the past few minutes or so (e.g. If you or your partner have just touched an infected area) the simple action of washing your hands and the infected area with soap and warm water can help to sweep away the virus from your hands and other areas. By doing this you can help avoid the virus from spreading further.

What is the best treatment for cold sores?

Here is a list of reputable Cold Sore Remedies, with current news and reviews on different products available.

There are many options available, here are three of the most popular:

  1. Topical treatment for cold sores
  2. Antiviral Meds (prescription only) 
  3. Lysine and Supplements

Home remedies that can help:

  • Ice can be applied to the sores to both numb and soothe the area, as well as lower the temperature of the infection, helping to inhibit the virus.
  • Cold tea bags applied to the infected area every hour may be beneficial. This is because tea bags contain tannic acid which is thought to have antiviral properties, best used at the first sign of an outbreak.
  • Petroleum jelly and other lip moisturizers can soothe and moisten the lips, helping to prevent the cold sore scabs from cracking and bleeding.

So what can I do to prevent cold sores, you say?

Try the following steps:

1. Be Sun Smart

Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays can trigger a breakout of cold sores. To help protect yourself wear a hat when you are outside in the sun and use a lip balm that contains sunscreen (preferably one with an SPF rating of 15+ or higher).

2. Moisturize

Damage to your lips can bring on an episode of cold sores, so it is important to keep your lips protected from chapping and wind burn. A moisturizing lip balm can help here.

3. Choose an Effective Treatment

The right management of your cold sores can make a huge difference. An effective cold sore treatment should shorten the duration of your outbreaks, as well reduce the possibility of a recurrence. Choose a Cold Sore Treatment that works to speed healing and reduce the frequency of your cold sores.

4. Healthy Living

By taking better care of yourself you can help your body defend against the virus, reducing the possibility of an occurrence. Good rest, exercise and fresh fruit and vegetable juices will assist in strengthening the immune system (your body's natural defense system against viruses, such as herpes).

Herpes Resources

  1. A to Z of Cold Sore and Herpes Treatments
  2. Cold Sore and Herpes Pictures
  3. Diet and Nutrition with Cold Sores

Get help here Talk about it (in private) on the Discussion Forum

Herpes and Children... this is the first concern many of us have when we are diagnosed with gential herpes.

Posted on 2007-Jun-19 at 01:48

The first thing to realize is that a person with herpes can live a normal, happy and healthy life just like anyone else. 

Having herpes does not mean that you will not be able to have children (whether you are a man or a woman).  Herpes is not a genetic condition and so cannot be passed on from parent to child in this way. Herpes is also not spread through blood, semen or vaginal fluids, instead, the virus is spread by direct contact.   

Things that a WOMAN with gential herpes should consider...

If a woman is having an outbreak during labor and delivery and there are herpes lesions in or near the birth canal, the doctor will do a cesarean section to protect the baby. Most women with genital herpes, however, do not have signs of active infection with the virus during this time and can have a normal delivery. 

If a woman has primary herpes (her first ever encounter with the virus) at any point in the pregnancy, there is the possibility of the virus crossing the placenta and infecting the baby in the uterus (about 5% of cases). This transmission of the virus to the fetus causes neonatal herpes, a rare but potentially fatal condition. Mothers who acquire genital herpes in the last few weeks of pregnancy are at the highest risk of transmitting the virus.
 
However, women with a history of genital herpes before becoming pregnant have a very low risk of transmitting the virus to their baby. This is because of antibodies circulating in the mother's blood, these antibodies should protect the baby during pregnancy.
 
If a pregnant woman has an outbreak, which is not the first episode, her baby’s risk of being infected during delivery is very low. In either case, if you are pregnant and infected with genital herpes, you should stay in close touch with your doctor before, during, and after your baby is born.

If you are interested in talking to other mothers with HSV you may like to visit the Herpes Support Forum. It is a good place to go for encouragement and support.

Things that a MAN with gential herpes should consider...

 

As mentioned above, having herpes does not mean that you will not be able to have children, nor does it affect your ability to concieve or the quality or delivery of your sperm.

 

When the man has genital herpes and the woman has no evidence of infection, you may need to consider:

 

A blood test to establish if your girlfriend has HSV antibodies

  • The use of condoms from the time of conception, through until the time of birth
  • You may wish to take herpes medication for the duration of the pregnancy to help suppress shedding
  • Avoiding oral sex for the duration of the pregnancy if the male has a history of facial herpes or cold sores
  • Exploring alternatives to intercourse, such as touching, kissing, fantasizing, massage
If you care about your partner and want to have an intimate relationship with her herpes does not have to stand in the way.  Couples deal successfully with herpes all the time and in most cases it is only a minor inconvenience. 

Many couples have had sex for years without transmitting herpes. Some simply avoid having sexual contact when signs or symptoms are present, while others use condoms or other protection between outbreaks to help protect against asymptomatic shedding (transmission that can occur when no symptoms are present).

Read up on Safe Sex with Herpes and Herpes Prevention to get informed.

Having Children and Having Herpes Some good herpes resources:

  1. Treatment Options

Get help here Talk about it (in private) on the Discussion Forum

How on Earth did I get herpes? Afterall, I have been absolutely faithful in a long term relationship!

Posted on 2007-Jun-19 at 01:41

A diagnosis of herpes often comes as a shock and can leave you asking "how did this happen to me?". Well, there are many possibilities. 

The big truth:  Just because you or a partner have been diagnosed with Herpes DOES NOT mean that one of you have been unfaithful.  Read on to learn more...

The herpes virus can lay dormant for various time periods and may be in your system for a time period before any symptoms begin to show.  The usual incubation period of the virus (time before any symptoms show) is approximately two to twelve days after the first exposure to the virus.

 

I know what you are thinking...it doesn't make sense! How did I possibly contract herpes?

In order to answer this question in more detail you need to understand what herpes types exist, where it can occur and how it is spread.

 Different herpes types & where they can appear:

There are actually two types of the herpes simplex virus: Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) and Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2).   HSV1 or mouth herpes are commonly in the form of cold sores on and around the mouth. HSV2 or genital herpes is a much more intense strand commonly found on the genitals. However BOTH types can be found on the mouth or genital areas.

 How the Herpes virus can be spread:

Genital herpes can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected blister or sore, usually through sexual contact. It can also be transmitted when there are no symptoms present.  HSV-2 infection is usually passed on during vaginal or anal sex. HSV-1 is usually transmitted to the genital area by oral sex (mouth to genital contact).

 Some common possibilities:

  • It is possible for a person to carry the virus without knowing that they have it, since up to 80% of people who are infected with HSV-2 show no signs of the infection. So it is very easy for a person to unwittingly transmit the infection to their partner.  The symptoms of the infection vary greatly between individuals. It might be totally unnoticeable in one person, but cause severe blistering in their partner. 
  • Since the genital herpes virus can be transmitted through oral sex as well as vaginal sex, it is also possible to contract the virus from a cold sore on a partner's mouth or face. It is possible to pass the virus on even if they did not have a cold sore present at the time of contact.
  • Alternatively, a person can contract the virus from a previous sexual partner, perhaps even several years ago. The virus can remain inactive in the body for long periods or previous symptoms may have been so slight that the herpes condition went unnoticed or was dismissed (e.g.. a mild rash, itching or tingling). 

You may like to print out the Herpes Help Booklet by HerpesSupportNetwork for more information about herpes transmission and herpes prevention.

 If you are diagnosed with herpes do not despair, there are many avenues for support and there are herpes remedies available to effectively manage herpes. 

One avenue for support is the Herpes Support Forum. This is a site where people can share their thoughts and experiences about herpes.

How can you get herpes? Some good herpes resources:

  1. Herpes Pictures
  2. Symptoms of herpes
  3. A to Z of Herpes Treatments

Get help here Talk about it (in private) on the Discussion Forum

Yep! Celebrities and famous people have herpes too...

Posted on 2007-Jun-19 at 01:38

It is a common misconception for people to think that celebrities and "famous personalities" are immune to the perils of life like the rest of us. Not true, celebrities are human beings too and are just as vulnerable as you and me.

Any sexually active person is capable of catching (and spreading) an STD. This is actually one of the scary things about Herpes and STDs - the fact that anyone can become infected.

When a person's private and personal life becomes a public affair the world get's a small glimpse of how celebrities can and 'do' have herpes too.

Take the case of Liza Minnelli and husband, David Gest. Their bitter divorce battle has escalated to Gest claiming that Minnelli had genital herpes and did not tell him about it until after they were married.

News articles:

Liza Minnelli is not the first celebrity to be outted by a resentful ex-partner. In 1986, Robin Williams was sued for $6.2 million by an ex-girlfriend who claimed he infected her with herpes.

News Articles:

Similarly, sports personality Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons quarterback) settled out of court after being accused of not disclosing his herpes condition to his partner.

News Article: Settlement reached in Michael Vick herpes case

Many other celebrities have been at the firing end of herpes law suit allegations including Singer Tony Bennett [Article] and David Hasselhoff [Article].

Forum Discussion Topic: Paris Hilton MIGHT have herpes

Not all celebrities with herpes have been at the brunt of accusations and gossip, some have come out publicly with the fact that they have herpes - a brave plight that is appreciated by all those affected by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Ann Heche wrote a poignant autobiography in 2001, revealing that she has had genital herpes since childhood after being molested by her father at a young age.

Review of Ann Heche's Book "Call Me Crazy": Lurid Fascination or Okay, You're "Crazy" by Kim Diorio

It is truly inspiring when someone in a position of public influence makes the choice to stand up and be counted as a person infected with herpes.

It proves to the world that people from all walks of life have herpes, regardless of how they live their life, what they do for a living, their sex, color, race, financial position, or any other discriminating factor.

In a Rolling Stone interview Billy Idol states candidly "Herpes was the worst. You probably had that already? Yeah! Let's give it to each other and get on with it!" [Article]

Moral of the story? Celebrities, politicians, models, actors, singers, sports personalities, comedians, authors and "famous people" have herpes too.

 

Celebrities With Herpes Some good herpes resources:

  1. How is herpes spread?
  2. My Partner has Herpes
  3. How to break the news

Get help here Talk about it (in private) on the Discussion Forum

Herpes for dummies

Posted on 2007-Jun-16 at 08:31

When you hear the term herpes, the first thing that comes to mind is genital herpes, but there are two types of herpes – herpes simplex type 1, and herpes simplex type 2. I will explain to you very shortly why they are both important to know. But first let me tell you a little bit about each type.

Herpes simplex type 1 is a simple cold sore on or around your mouth. You will be able to visibly see these small blisters on your face, and you would generally call them cold sores or fever blisters. Many people have had their fair share of these very annoying sores.

Herpes simplex type 2 is known as genital herpes, the most common sexually transmitted disease. While it is not life threatening, it can however be a very painful condition that is occasionally recurrent. Some of the most common symptoms of this type of herpes are visible sores on your genitals that can sometimes be painful.

Now that we are aware of the difference let me tell you why I felt that it was important for you too know that there are two types – they do go hand and hand when it comes to spreading. This infection is easily transmitted from someone who is currently infected with this disease. Here’s the scary part, it can be caused from being with someone who has herpes simplex one. If you are thinking that you are slick and you know who has it and who doesn’t, you are sadly mistaken. You can contract genital herpes from someone who has that very commonly seen cold sore.

Let me explain to you exactly how this infection works because it’s sneaky and is hard at work even when you believe that it doesn’t stand a chance.  There is not always any warning signs that can be given from simply looking at someone who has genital herpes, unless their sores are visible. Someone who has genital herpes will not have these sores all of the time, what happens is the virus becomes dormant, meaning it goes into hiding. And then it will resurface, but before the onset of it showing visible sores, it will be contagious. So there is absolutely no way of knowing the person you are being with has it. There is a good chance that he or she doesn’t even know that they are currently contagious at that exact moment.

Here’s something else that is very scary, you can be dating someone right now that has genital herpes and they may not even be aware that they are infected with it, because they are asymptomatic, meaning that they don’t have any signs of the disease, so they are not even aware that they are infected.

About two to twenty days after your initial contact with herpes you will begin to show signs of the infection. The most common sign that you may have genital herpes is blister like sores on your genitals. There are of course many other signs that may lead you to believe that you have herpes simplex 2 – swollen lymph glands, muscle ache, fever, headache, vaginal or penis discharge, burning during urination, a burning sensation in the genitals, and small red bumps around the genital area. There are many instances that people never even notice a single symptom, so they are unaware that they even have the herpes virus. This can happen because there are many cases of people who have built up immunity to the virus because they often suffered from fever blisters/cold sores.

The best way to prevent yourself from ever contracting this way too common sexually transmitted disease is of course by abstinence, if you are not currently married. I know you just laughed in my face, but it’s true. But there are other ways to prevent this, by knowing who you are with, and discussing your partner’s outbreaks that is if you are aware that they are infected with this disease.

 


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