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