Acquired Immune Response This is where herpes transmission risk gets a little more complicated. There are 9 types of the human herpes virus: HHV1 and HHV2 are the types known as herpes simplex viruses (HSV type 1 and HSV type 2); HHV3 is know as varicella-zoster, the type that causes chickenpox and shingles, or herpes […]
What is my risk of spreading herpes? Herpes Transmission Risk
One of the most common questions we receive is about herpes transmission and the risk of spreading the virus to a new partner. HSV1 & HSV2 is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact – not bodily fluids, blood, surfaces, towels, bedding, toilets, or otherwise, just skin-to-skin contact. From there, inoculation must also occur for the infection to […]
How many outbreaks will I get? Herpes Outbreaks
HSV affects everyone a little differently. Some people are bothered by frequent cold sores and/or genital herpes outbreaks, and others are not. How much of a physical impact the virus has on someone’s body is primarily the result of four factors: how well a person’s immune system is able to combat the infection, how long […]
An Op-Ed about STD Stigma – Part 3
This essay was submitted anonymously after the author participated in the STI Interviews. This is part 3 of a 3 part series. Statistics help to show just how common STDs are. According to the CDC, genital herpes is one of the most common STDs, and in the United States, about 1 in 5 people are infected. […]
An Op-Ed about STD Stigma – Part 2
This essay was submitted anonymously after the author participated in the STI Interviews. This is part 2 of a 3 part series. The fact of the matter is, if you’re having sex, you are putting yourself at risk for an STD, and you should be getting tested for STDs. Most STDs don’t have symptoms, and the person […]
An Op-Ed about STD Stigma – Part 1
This essay was submitted anonymously after the author participated in the STI Interviews. This is part 1 of a 3 part series. Many people toss around jokes as if the only way they can get an STD is to sleep with tons of people. In high school, almost daily, girls bashed each other with names like […]
Post Molluscum Contagiosum – After the STD Interview
Of the many messages we receive from our readers, there’s one type we never tire of, and that’s a success story. A little over a year ago, this reader reached out anonymously via the contact form and shared her STD Interview with us. Recently, she sent a follow-up message to let us know the molluscum contagiosum she […]
The Difference Between HIV & AIDS
This guest post was written by Dr. Lisa Oldson, Medical Director for SexualHealth.com. HIV and AIDS: What’s the difference? ‘HIV’ and ‘AIDS’ – seven little letters that have made a BIG impact on the world in the past three decades. The two acronyms are so closely associated, many think they’re the same thing. Actually, they’re not. […]
