WHAT IS THE "CAUSE" OF GENITAL HERPES?

I read this question on a forum I was at tonight, and I was astounded at the answers. There is definitely a lack of understanding about genital herpes, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) and HIV / AIDS. Bacteria and viruses "cause" these diseases; human carelessness or lack of knowledge and understanding is what gives the bacteria and viruses a way to infect people...

Infection with the Herpes Simplex II virus is the ONLY cause of genital herpes, however there are many ways to become infected with the virus. When most people think of genital herpes, they think of lesions on the vulva of a woman or the penis of a man. The name "genital" herpes is misleading, as this virus can cause outbreaks in the genital area, anal area, as well as in and around the mouth, depending on where the virus enters the body. I have even seen genital herpes lesions around the eye of a person who was giving oral sex to an infected partner and got seminal secretions around the eye. Oral lesions are quite common; they can be on the lips, inside the mouth on the cheeks, and even at the back of the throat spreading down the esophagus. Anal lesions can be on the outside as well as on the inside, and one can imagine how painful that would be. The hallmark of a new genital herpes outbreak is painful vesicular (small blister-like) lesions surrounded by redness. There may be just 1 or 2 lesions, however if it is an initial outbreak it is generally more severe and extensive, with clusters of multiple lesions. The infected person may feel fatigued for a day or so before the outbreak, and there may be some altered sensations at the site where the lesions will develop (such as numbness or tingling). Once the lesions appear, they are extremely painful. There is treatment for genital herpes outbreaks as well as antiviral medication that can be taken to suppress the virus and prevent or minimize the occurrence of future outbreaks, however the diagnosis and medical treatment of herpes is beyond the scope of this article.

The best way to prevent infection with genital herpes, as with any sexually transmitted disease including HIV (other than complete abstinence), is to have sex only in the context of a monogamous relationship where the status, history, and habits of your partner are known and trusted. Otherwise, avoiding multiple sexual partners and always using a condom, with every single intimate act, from start to finish, provides the best protection. This includes all acts of oral, vaginal, and anal sex, whether you are "giving" or "receiving". You should always avoid intimate contact with someone who appears ill or who has visible genital, anal, or oral lesions as well as someone with vaginal or urethral discharge. Keep in mind, however, that just as someone can appear to be completely healthy and actually be HIV positive, someone can have no visible genital lesions and can still be shedding the herpes virus. It is possible to become infected with genital herpes even when your partner has no visible lesions. It is also possible to have contact with an area that is shedding the virus and is not covered with the condom, such as the scrotum or area around the anus.

The only "good" thing about genital herpes is that it is now very treatable and much easier to control than it was several years ago. Remember, though, that it is still a chronic disease, and there is a stigma that comes along with it. I should also mention here that it is very common for all sexually transmitted diseases to occur along with other sexually transmitted diseases. If you don't practice safe sex, you could end up with genital herpes, HIV, and maybe gonorrhea or chlamydia along with it... The days of "free love" and "if it feels good, just do it" are long gone. We need to remember that every sexual encounter that we choose to become involved in could have life-altering and even life-threatening implications. That is the message that needs to reach everyone- teenagers, young adults, and even senior citizens.