JDavid is offline JDavid Post #1  July 30,2009, 2:24pm
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Several threads recently have discussed STDs with (and sometimes without) specific mention of Herpes. Though I felt reasonably well informed, I did some research – and learned that I was not well informed at all. I'll pass along what I learned and others may wish to comment.

1. Somewhere between one in ten and one in FIVE adults in the US has genital HSV infection.

2. Many who carry the virus have NO symptoms and most do not know they carry the virus.

3. Herpes can be spread by an asymptomatic carrier as well as by a known carrier.

4. Absence of outbreaks or lesions is NOT any assurance that the virus will not be passed.

5. Blood tests are required to detect HSV when symptoms are not present.

Don't accept my word – do an Internet search or follow these links below.

This information concerned me enough to order a blood test to insure that I am not an "asymptomatic carrier". The test assured that I am not (which along with a vasectomy provides a certain amount of stress relief).


STD Facts - Genital Herpes

Results of a nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, at least 45 million people ages 12 and older, or one out of five adolescents and adults, have had genital HSV infection. Over the past decade, the percent of Americans with genital herpes infection in the U.S. has decreased.

Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost one out of eight). This may be due to male-to-female transmission being more likely than female-to-male transmission.

Genital Herpes info: How common is genital herpes?

One out of five adults is infected with the genital herpes virus.


Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection (STD) that is relatively common worldwide. In the U.S., it is estimated to affect about 45 million people.


Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted from one person to another during s-e-xual activity. Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of small ulcers (open sores) on and around the genitals in both men and women. It cannot be cured, only controlled.

• Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely because it is so contagious. Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms themselves of active infection.

• As many as 50 million Americans are infected with the genital herpes virus, with about one million new infections each year. As many as 80%-90% of those infected fail to recognize herpes symptoms or have no symptoms at all.

• The highest rates of infection are seen among the poor, those with less education, those using cocaine, and those with many s-e-xual partners.
Genital Herpes

Results of a recent, nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 45 million people ages 12 and older, or one out of five of the total adolescent and adult population, is infected with HSV-2.

HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost one out of five). This may be because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission. HSV-2 infection is also more common in blacks (45.9%) than in whites (17.6%). Race and ethnicity in the United States are risk markers that correlate with other more fundamental determinants of health such as poverty, access to quality health care, health-care seeking behavior, illicit drug use, and living in communities with high prevalence of STDs.

Since the late 1970s, the number of Americans with genital herpes infection (i.e., prevalence) has increased 30%. Prevalence is increasing most dramatically among young white teens; HSV-2 prevalence among 12- to 19-year-old whites is now five times higher than it was 20 years ago. And young adults ages 20 to 29 are now twice as likely to have HSV-2.

How common is genital herpes? | Life and style | BMJ Group

One study that involved blood donors found that about 1 in 12 had symptoms of the infection. About 1 in 4 people who go to a sexual medicine clinic have the infection.


[URL="http://www.womenshealth.gov/FAQ/genital-herpes.cfm"]Genital Herpes
 
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jayjay is offline jayjay Post #2  July 30,2009, 3:39pm
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...things seem to have gotten quiet around here.

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Looks like no one wants to touch this thread. ; )
 
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tweet37 is offline tweet37 Post #3  July 30,2009, 3:46pm
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has all the tools and can........satisfy

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jayjay wrote :
Looks like no one wants to touch this thread. ; )
Everybody's running to get tested.
 
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Woodd is offline Woodd Post #4  July 30,2009, 5:16pm
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tweet37 wrote :
Everybody's running to get tested.

You ain't kidding. I'm gonna schedule a full workup for August. I am 99.9999% sure I am completely STD free, but better to be safe.
 
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eHA_Admin_Lori is offline eHA_Admin_Lori — Advice Official Moderator Post #5  July 30,2009, 5:44pm
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This is really interesting information JDavid, thank you for reasearching and sharing with us.

Question for the group:

Seeing just how prevalaent it is, does it at all change your feelings toward someone who is forthcoming enough to disclose their condition during the dating process?
 
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Woodd is offline Woodd Post #6  July 30,2009, 6:18pm
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eH_Advice_Admin_Lori wrote :
Question for the group:

Seeing just how prevalaent it is, does it at all change your feelings toward someone who is forthcoming enough to disclose their condition during the dating process?
I would move that person to friend status. A curable STD is one thing, an incurable disease that you would have to make a conscious decision to bring upon yourself is an entirely different matter.

For me, this is the main motivation for my complete lack of one night stands. Sure, I don't get laid often but, I take comfort knowing that I am not taking a huge risk of contracting Herpes/HIV on a weekly basis.
 
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taninLA is offline taninLA Post #7  July 30,2009, 6:39pm
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Hi (this is the thread that made me subscribe!)

Having worked in a health clinic, I WOULD date someone with herpes. I applaud anyone who takes charge of their own health & took the time to get tested. Many people don't know that if you get standard STD screening that does NOT test for herpes, so many don't know their status - a lot of people are walking around thinking, "I'm STD free" when really, they are not.

If someone was forthcoming with me about it - I would thank them *and* if I liked them, continue seeing them!

If they are on suppressive therapy and we take proper precautions, the risk is low. It's not a life-threatening disease, it's a skin condition that even people who use condoms 100% of the time can get!

Others may choose to disagree, but that's how I feel.
 
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JDavid is offline JDavid Post #8  July 30,2009, 6:39pm
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eH_Advice_Admin_Lori wrote :
Seeing just how prevalaent it is, does it at all change your feelings toward someone who is forthcoming enough to disclose their condition during the dating process?
My ideas have evolved over time – some based on inaccurate information.

Now, based on recent information, I WOULD knowingly enter a relationship with a woman who had Herpes. Since between ten and twenty percent of the population is afflicted (more of whom are women than men), that would substantially reduce the number of potential life partners – AND there is no assurance that a symptom free person is actually herpes free unless they are tested.

I kick myself for opting out of a relationship years ago with an impressive woman who acknowledged that she had herpes. A few years after that, I optioned into a relationship with another impressive woman who acknowledged that she had herpes but who convinced me (erroneously as it turns out) that by avoiding contact during outbreaks there was little chance I would contract the virus. I did not – through no correct action on our parts.

Perhaps it was just good fortune that kept me from becoming at least an asymptomatic carrier. However, my immune system has always been strong enough to keep me from contracting all sorts of diseases and conditions to which I was exposed (when everyone around me got sick).

If one refuses to date anyone with herpes, they MUST, to be consistent, require testing of every potential partner since up to 80 to 90% of people with the virus are asymptomatic or do not recognize the symptoms (according to the information above).

I have sympathized with people who posted wondering if they had a future in dating when they knew they had Herpes. I hope they find this thread and exchange ideas with a fresh perspective.
 
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D_Lion is offline D_Lion Post #9  July 30,2009, 6:46pm
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eH_Advice_Admin_Lori wrote :
Seeing just how prevalaent it is, does it at all change your feelings toward someone who is forthcoming enough to disclose their condition during the dating process?

Not really.

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AngelEyez2201 is offline AngelEyez2201 Post #10  July 30,2009, 7:40pm
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Something else to be considered:

I don't know about these new test mentioned, however, the testing that has been available is not just exactly a blood test to check for it since this virus is NOT carried in the blood. It affects the nervous system, therefore, that is its home. The blood test only helps if you have already had an outbreak.

When you have an outbreak, your body develops an antibody to the virus. THIS is what the blood test detects. NOT the virus itself.

Also, there are indeed 2 types HSV1 and HSV2. Type 1 is typically oral and type 2 is typically genital. It has been found however, that either type can effect either area.

Just what I have found and been told by medical personnel.
 
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