What causes Genital Herpes?

• Genital herpes simplex is caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex Virus-2.
• The STD affects millions of people.
• It causes painful blisters and sores in and around the genital area.

How do you get it?

• It is easily spread.
• Genital herpes is generally spread from an infected person to another by having sex which also includes oral and anal sex.
• It can be spread even if blisters and sores can not be seen on the other person.

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Who gets it?

• Herpes is not selective.
• Anyone can become infected.
• People who are sexually active, especially those who have sex without using a condom, are at the highest risk.

What happens to me if I get this?

• painful, fluid filled blisters or sores which will burst in 10-21 days to give small, painful ulcers
• Lymph nodes in the groin area can get enlarged
• painful urination, especially in women
• burning, tingling or itching in the genital area
• discharge from genitals of males and females
• fever and body aches
• Sometimes, you can get cold sores around the mouth

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Where can I get help?

• a doctor
• a clinic
• a hospital
• school nurse
• parents, relatives, friends
• look in the yellow pages for support groups or hotlines near you
  • or call:
    • Herpes Resource Center 1-800-227-8922
    • National Herpes Hotline 1-919-361-8488
• Visit the SkinChoice discussion forum on herpes for information or to post a question
• Purchase a product for people with herpes which has an ingredient shown to stop intracellular infections by up to 100% (can help stop the blisters from appearing and /or shorten the outbreak)

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How can I prevent it?

• The best prevention is abstinence- don't have sex with multiple and unknown partners!
• However if you are sexually active, always use a condom. A condom is not a 100% guarantee, but does greatly reduce the risks of contagion.
• If you think that you might have herpes, stop having sex until you have been tested.
• If you do have herpes, you should not have sex when blisters and sores are present.
• Be honest with your partner about your condition and concerns.

How does the doctor test for this?

• If you think you may have herpes, it is best to seek medical help.
• It is important to not touch the infected area.
• The doctor may examine your blisters or look at the cells in the blisters under a microscope to make a diagnosis

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How is it treated?

• Treatment may be an oral, topical, or intravenous medication.
• Today the most commonly prescribed medication is acyclovir. This medication only eases the symptoms of herpes and does not get rid of the actual virus, you'll need to see a doctor to get a prescription for this.
• Analgesics (painkillers) may help with the pain.
• Purchase the SkinChoice product for people with herpes which has an ingredient shown to stop intracellular infections by up to 100% (can help stop the blisters from appearing and /or shorten the outbreak) it has been shown to be more effective than prescription medications, requires no doctor visits, and is completely confidential.

What happens to me in the long run?

• Unfortunately, it is not curable. Herpes does not go away. The virus will remain in your body forever. However, it is treatable.
• There is a risk of passing herpes to the baby during a vaginal delivery. You should consult your doctor to discuss delivery options
• The herpes virus may play a role in development of cervical cancer.  Women should get regular cervical smear test (Pap Smear) every 1-2 years.

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* Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your health care provider before adding any substances to your diet or making any lifestyle changes.

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