Safe Sex Is Possible To Prevent The Spread Of Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is very contagious. However, there are ways to protect yourself and your partner.

Good news: You don't have to give up sex if you have the herpes virus. However, you do need to make some changes in how and when you have it.

Unlike other infections, herpes is incurable.

So it's your responsibility to take precautions, so you don't transmit the virus to a partner. Here's how to keep the sex smart:

•    Take time to understand your diagnosis. Herpes can cause painful, blister-like sores on the lips of and inside the vagina, on areas covered by pubic hair, and around the anus. Learn all you can about how it's spread and ways to prevent transmitting it.

•    Talk first. Explain to your partner what herpes is and the steps you're willing to take to avoid passing the virus to him.

•    Avoid skin-to-skin contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex, during an outbreak. It's during the "active" phase that herpes is most contagious.

•    Decide with your partner what's off-limits between outbreaks. You can still transmit the virus between outbreaks through "viral shedding," when small amounts of the virus come to the surface of the skin.

While some couples engage in the full range of sexual activities at this time, others use a latex condom to reduce the chances of infection. Although, condoms don't provide 100 percent protection, there are some important facts to learn about condoms and the transmission of herpes:

- The herpes virus does not pass through latex condoms

- When properly used latex condoms are likely to reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes, however even the best condoms do not guarantee total safety.

- When herpes sores occur in places not covered by a condom the condom is of little help, if any.

- Condoms and foams should not be relied upon when herpes sores or symptoms are present

- Condoms do not provide 100 percent protection because a lesion may be found which the condom did not cover. Used consistently, however, condoms are one of the best available forms of prevention.

Safer Sex Practices:

- Practice non-coital sex (sexual intimacy without penetration).

- Use barriers, male and/or female condoms (dental dams).

- Use a lubricant. This will decrease friction and make the viral particles less likely to adhere to new locations.

- Wash thoroughly afterwards (not the next morning), soap and water will remove the virus at the skin's surface, washing with hydrogen peroxide or diluted chlorine bleach should also knock-out the virus.

- Consume antivirals, suppressives and/or supplements and herbs.

- Keep body fluids away from compromised skin; cuts, abrasions, conditions that would allow the virus to enter. Some people can have the virus express itself in other than the standard locations.

- Be very mindful and serious about prevention. Practice safer sex methods without exceptions - slipping up on your protocols just once can mess you up for life.

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Safe Sex Is Possible To Prevent The Spread Of Herpes

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