{"id":21282,"date":"2022-08-16T11:04:54","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T09:04:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=21282"},"modified":"2022-08-16T11:05:19","modified_gmt":"2022-08-16T09:05:19","slug":"debunking-myths-about-herpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/debunking-myths-about-herpes\/","title":{"rendered":"Debunking Myths About Herpes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sex can be one of the best parts of life, but it also comes with its own difficulties to navigate. The transmission of sexually transmitted infections and diseases, STIs<\/a> is one of the biggest difficulties that can come up in your sex life.<\/p>\n

One of the most common STIs is herpes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO<\/a>), an estimated 13% of people ages 15-49 have an HSV-2, while an estimated 66% of people ages 0-49 have HSV-1. HSV\u20132 is almost exclusively transmitted sexually with outbreaks occurring around the genitals and anus. HSV\u20131 on the other hand is typically transmitted through oral to oral contact or oral to genitals.<\/p>\n

Just like other STIs, information and beliefs around herpes are full of myths and misconceptions. It\u2019s important to break down these myths, destigmatize herpes, and normalize conversations around reproductive health.<\/p>\n

Herpes is Something to Be Ashamed About \u2013 False<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the hardest things about having herpes is the shame that can come with it. Herpes and STIs in general are often the punchlines for many jokes. Terms like \u201cI\u2019m clean\u201d can perpetuate these feelings as they imply that having an STI means you\u2019re ‘dirty’.<\/p>\n

The thing with herpes and many other STIs is that oftentimes the stigma is worse than reality<\/a>. This means that although herpes isn\u2019t life-threatening, and symptoms can be managed, the stigma around the virus creates psychological side effects and can impact mental well-being. These feelings are made worse by cultural and societal stigmas around sex in general.<\/p>\n

Say it with me \u2013 herpes is nothing to be ashamed about!<\/p>\n

Having Herpes Makes You A Slut \u2013 False<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Because the stigma around herpes plays on cultural beliefs around sex, people often correlate having herpes with being promiscuous or ‘slutty’. First things first, as long as you feel empowered and are enjoying yourself, there\u2019s nothing wrong with being promiscuous.<\/p>\n

That being said, anyone can get herpes. Whether you\u2019ve had sex with one person or one hundred people. Also, keep in mind that sex isn\u2019t the only way that herpes can be transmitted \u2013 more on that later. Although these days many people are reclaiming the word \u201cslut\u201d, so if that\u2019s you, then more power to you!<\/p>\n

You Can Only Get Herpes From Sex \u2013 False<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Before we get to the bottom of this one, let\u2019s clear up the term ‘sex’. Sex means something different for different people, and you get to define sex for yourself<\/a>. For some people sex means oral sex or manual stimulation, for others it includes anal, and for some, it means genital to genital contact and\/or penetrative sex with a penis or sex toy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As we mentioned earlier, HSV\u20131 is typically transmitted through oral contact. This means kissing and oral sex. It can also be contracted<\/a> through sharing utensils, lip balm, or razors, although this is less common. Some people contracted HSV\u20131 as a child when a family member kissed them.<\/p>\n

Many people with HSV\u20131 never experience outbreaks, although when they do this is commonly called a cold sore. It\u2019s also possible to develop genital outbreaks from HSV\u20131 if you receive oral sex from someone with it.<\/p>\n

HSV\u20132 is most commonly spread through oral or penetrative sex (anal, penis to the vagina). It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact without penetration. In some cases, it can be spread to babies through vaginal birth if the gestational parent has an active (newer) infection.<\/p>\n

Herpes Isn\u2019t Treatable \u2013 True and False<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Yes, it is true that once you contract herpes you have it for life. But that doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ll always have outbreaks. Oftentimes the first outbreak is the worst, but once your body develops protective antibodies, outbreaks typically stop or lessen in intensity. Many people never even experience an outbreak in the first place, which is one of the reasons why herpes is so common.<\/p>\n

Although you can\u2019t make herpes go away, you can treat and manage the symptoms. There are pharmaceutical medications<\/a> as well as natural tools<\/a> you can use to help keep herpes in check. Lifestyle changes that help to support your immune system are incredibly helpful in managing symptoms, this includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Herpes Will Change Your Sex Life \u2013 True<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no way around it, a herpes diagnosis will most likely have some impact on your sex life. You may go through a period of not wanting to have sex, not knowing how to talk about your STI with partners<\/a>\u00a0or feeling shame around your body and diagnosis. These are normal feelings, but they don\u2019t have to stop you from having an awesome sex life.<\/p>\n

There are also logistical matters that you may need to think of like using barrier methods such as condoms<\/a> and dental dams<\/a>, and avoiding sex or practicing different activities during an outbreak.<\/p>\n

Many people who develop herpes report it actually improving their sex life in ways. Although they may need to go through an adjustment and healing period after they have to learn how to better communicate with their sexual partners and get more creative about what intimacy looks like for them. They also may be more scrutinous about who they have sex with, which can create opportunities for more sexual fulfillment and fewer letdowns.<\/p>\n

Living with Herpes<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We know how difficult it can be to get a herpes diagnosis, whether it\u2019s HSV1 or HSV2. It\u2019s normal to go through a period of low self-worth and uncertainty as you learn to navigate this new part of your sexual health. It can take time to adjust to living with herpes. If you feel like your diagnosis is affecting your mental health, it can help to see a mental health practitioner like a sex therapist<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Know that you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and you can (and will) still have an incredible sex life!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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