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Dear Dog-ter,
What’s the deal with genital herpes and HIV? I had a herpes outbreak.
Does this mean I’ll get HIV next?
-Confused & Curious Chris
Dear CCC,
Not necessarily. Although studies show that if you have genital
herpes, you could be 2X more likely to catch HIV (Especially when you
have herpes sores). BUT, it doesn’t have to be. And if you are HIV
positive and have genital herpes you are more likely to pass on HIV to
your partners.
First of all, WHAT
is GENITAL HERPES?
Genital herpes is a very common sexually transmitted
disease (STD) practically always caused by HSV-2 (herpes simplex
virus-2). Although 25% of adults in the US have genital
herpes, the rates are HIGHER among gay men. And 80%
don’t know they have it. But oral herpes (HSV-1), which
commonly just causes cold sores on the lips or mouth can also be on the
genitals. Blisters and sores on the penis, vagina, anus,
buttocks and elsewhere are common signs. Itching, burning, pain and discomfort
are likely to happen.
HOW does it get passed
around?
Herpes 2 can easily be passed through skin-to-skin
contact. So, you don’t need to have sex to get this!
But it is most often passed through unprotected oral (blowjob),
vaginal and anal sex.
Factoids:
1. Genital herpes is treatable, but not curable
(just like HIV).
2. Herpes makes HIV so much easier to catch and
to spread.
3. With or without symptoms, people can pass viruses
around.
1
out of 4
has genital herpes. |
NOW WHAT?
Don’t
panic!
Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly
and make sure you are getting the blood test for herpes. Every
3-6 months is very good, especially if you are sexually active.
Know your status! You can find out at the Colorado Aids Project ,
where anonymous and confidential testing is always available
and FREE! the last Thursday of the month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 2490 W. 26th Ave., Building A, Suite 300 in Denver, 80211
- If you test positive,
a good place to explore treatment options is the Colorado Aids Project.
- Minimize spreading
it to your sexual partners, by properly and consistently using CONDOMS
for oral, vaginal and anal sex, if abstinence is not a realistic option.
- Try to avoid sex
when sores and blisters are obvious and visible. HIV is more easily
transmitted when sores are present!
It’s not the
end of the world, don’t delay getting checked regularly. It’s
good to know.
Simply,
the Dog-ter
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