Herpes

Herpes is one of the most stigmatised STI’s. But According to WHO (2015), two-thirds of the world’s population have HSV-1.

There are two types of Herpes (HSV).

Herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) is commonly known as an oral condition (cold sores), and can be passed through kissing, or oral-genital contact.

Herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the genital herpes variation and is primarily passed through penile-vaginal, oral-genital, oral-anal, or genital-anal contact.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms include small, painful red bumps that appear in the genital region or mouth.

• Bumps can become painful blisters and eventually rupture into open sores.

Treatment:

There is no known cure for herpes, however medication taken daily for a period of time often helps to manage flare ups.

Flare ups occur when people’s immune systems are under pressure, but otherwise the virus can lie dormant for periods of time with no symptoms.

Herpes is SUPER common. It's a skin condition that is not your fault, and doesn't need to disrupt sex lives or pleasure.

Herpes Myth bust:

• “Only people who sleep around get Herpes”- False; anyone can get Herpes, and it can be transmitted in a number of ways. Stop slut-shaming & start normalising Herpes.

• “Herpes is uncommon”- False; it’s common as fuck. According to NSW Health, 75% of Aussies have HSV-1, and 12% have HSV-2 (NSW Health, 2014). And two-thirds of the world’s population have HSV-1 (WHO, 2015).

• “I don’t need to use protection or disclose my status because I don’t have any symptoms” - False; you can still transmit HSV even without symptoms.

• “I won’t be able to date with Herpes”- False; Herpes is a stigmatised skin condition and people often lack education. Learn to disclose your HSV status, and practice safer sex. If people react poorly and shame you, you don’t want to be fucking them anyway.