SEX, HERPES AND SEXUAL HEALTH

Herpes is not generally a topic for discussion over a cup of coffee, let alone openly communicated between people before having sex. STI’s have a persona of being “dirty” so they may be shamefully hidden by those who are experiencing them. Missing out on sex, when you’re feeling horny is not an option for some, even those who knowingly have STI’s.

Signs to look for ~ symptoms include, such as feeling like the flu is setting in, redness, irritation like tingling or itchiness, blisters and sores around the vagina, pimple like sores on the penis.

Take notice: Cold sores on the mouth, herpes, can be transferred to the vagina or penis during oral sex.

It is recommended, to abstain from sex when symptoms are present on the mouth, vagina or penis. This is when herpes is contagious.

Genital herpes is a commonly occurring virus. Latest statistics show that one in eight Australians have this particular virus. There are STI’s that are harder to detect than some, Herpes is one of those. A staggering 80% of women with genital herpes do not know that they have it.

The symptoms for genital herpes can be confusing; it may be mistaken for thrush. When genital herpes is not known for what it is, the virus may be unknowingly transmitted during sexual encounters.

There are sex myths that relate to genital herpes.

A common misconception is ~

“My sexual partner is a cheat.” This virus can be in the body for months or years before symptoms become physically apparent. It is not uncommon for people to be carriers of the herpes virus and experience few or no symptoms at all.

Sexual health is imperative to sexual relationships. Without self-responsibility, we jeopardize our own health and the health of our sexual partners.

Avec l’amour,
Shele & Michael.

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