Archive for April, 2011

“Am I a herpes carrier?”

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

By Ritter Rudesind, Care Advisor

If you’ve ever been tested for an STD, you know how nerve-wracking it can be to wait for the results…and when the results come back negative, it’s a huge relief.

But what if you find out that – while you have tested negative – your monogamous partner has tested positive? Then, years later, it happens again. Your current monogamous partner tests positive, but you test negative. That’s exactly what happened to one of our callers…to protect his anonymity, let’s call him Don.

Don was concerned that he might be a herpes carrier…specifically, a carrier of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). Although he had been tested for herpes several times, always with negative test results, both his ex-wife and current girlfriend tested positive for the virus. He had never cheated on either woman and he was certain that they hadn’t cheated on him. So Don was concerned that he might actually be positive for HSV-2, even though his test results were consistently negative…in which case he might have unintentionally spread the virus to others.

Our Medical Director – Lisa Oldson, MD – confirmed that Don is not an HSV-2 carrier, but that it’s possible for a person to have sex with people who are positive and not contract the virus.

According to Dr. Lisa:

“The risk of contracting genital herpes is about 10% in a year for uninfected women with an infected male partner, and about 4% in a year for uninfected men with an infected female partner. If 100 infected men have one-on-one sex with 100 uninfected women in a year, 10 women would likely contract genital herpes. If the situation is reversed, about 4 men would get genital herpes in a year. These stats are based on the following criteria:
  • No sex during herpes outbreaks
  • No daily antiviral medication
  • No regular use of condoms by men
So [Don] has about a 4% chance in a year of catching genital herpes from his infected partner. He can lower his risk by using condoms every time they have sex, and by having his infected partner take a daily antiviral medication, like valacyclovir (Valtrex). The couple should also definitely avoid sex if she has an outbreak…but remember that herpes can be spread even when there are no symptoms of an outbreak.”

Dr. Lisa also advised Don to continue to get tested annually and watch for sores on his genitals…in which case he should seek medical attention immediately.

What’s your question about STDs or testing? We’d love to hear from you (866.660.2593). Each of our Care Advisors is a certified sexual health counselor…along with our staff of doctors, we can provide you the most well-informed answers to your questions.

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STD Awareness Month: get tested, get talking

Monday, April 4th, 2011

by Del Wright, Care Advisor

April.

It’s the month that ushers in Spring…and Spring flings. It signals new beginnings in nature and, oftentimes, in our love lives too. But before you embark on a new romance, be sure to know the facts about STDs and how to take care of your sexual health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate as many as 19 million new cases of STDs in the United States each year. So, to help focus public attention on STDs and sexual health, April has been declared STD Awareness Month.

While STDs cross racial and ethnic lines, African-Americans – especially women – are also disproportionately at risk for such common STDs as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. New data from the CDC also show that women in general are more likely to get herpes (HSV-2) than men.

But statistics aside, untreated STDs can eventually result in serious health problems…no matter who you are. So there’s no better time than now to get educated about STDs, get tested, and talk with your partner about STDs and what it means to have safer sex. And if you test positive for an STD, it’s vital to let your partner(s) know, so they can get tested, too.

Speaking of testing and talking – both are smart steps to take before you have a fling or start a new relationship. It takes just one sexual experience to get an STD, so it makes good sense to play it safe and give yourself peace of mind.

Put aside any embarrassment and insecurities you may be feeling, and make April the month for STD testing, talking and treatment (if necessary). If you don’t know you’re infected, you can’t get treated…and, as the CDC points out, all STDs are treatable and many are curable.

Related:
There are lots of STD awareness resources available for anyone wanting to get tested, or educate others about the importance of testing, STD prevention and safer sex practices.

Posted in STD awareness, STD Statistics, STD Testing | 8 Comments »