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.