Herpes: From a Woman’s Perspective

The Tiny Things That You MUST Know

Believe it or not, women have a tough time divulging secrets, despite popular belief. Therefore, when it comes to something big, like suffering from herpes, we are more absolutely petrified of disclosing the matter to others. As a woman who has seen a handful of people around her who suffer from herpes, I would like to state that the disease could certainly be a pain. But it is also true that if you learn how to manage the problem, it cannot affect you in any major ways.

Firstly, let us address the most basic facts of herpes:

  • It is a condition that occurs due to the herpes simplex virus.
  • There are 2 types: herpes type 1 and herpes type 2.
  • Type 1 is also known as oral herpes, distinguished by sores and blisters around the mouth region.
  • Type 2 is also known as genital herpes, identified by blisters around the genitals.
  • A person is diagnosed with herpes with the help of a blood test or a test that involves taking a smear of the fluid from the blisters.

Differentiating the Lies from the Truths

Herpes has a ton of information that needs to be spread out among the general public in order to make people alert. There are lots of individuals, men and women who do not know what hit them when they or a loved one contract herpes. With the lack of information comes the lack of knowledge that helps to keep the outbreaks in check. Also, having sufficient knowledge clears out all the myths that come with herpes. Some of the fabrications that pertain to women having herpes have been mentioned below:

  • Myth: If I have oral herpes and if I touch my genitals, I will also acquire genital herpes.
    That is wrong, as it is hard to get the same type of herpes at another region of the body. This is due to the fact that your body is constantly forming antibodies that prevent the spread of the infection from one part to another.
  • Myth: Herpes can cause cervical cancer.
    Another false statement, as herpes virus is not related to the cervix, cervix abnormalities or even cervix cancer; the last is caused by the human papilloma virus.
  • Myth: If a person contracts herpes it means that they are highly promiscuous.
    This is not true, as herpes can happen to you even if you are having sex or participating in oral sex for the first time.
  • Myth: Women who have herpes can never have their own children.
    This is another lie that is probably the result of certain misunderstandings. Women who contract herpes during the last stage of pregnancy have the chance of passing it on to their unborn child. However, if the mother has caught it before pregnancy, there are very slight chances of transmission to the foetus.

Lastly, Dealing With the Situation

There is no way you could throw aside the worry, caution and fear that comes along with contracting herpes. However, for the sake of your sanity and happiness, you must move on from the wallowing in self-pity and the constant nagging worry of being rejected.

My friend Gemma caught herpes from a one night stand, a situation that had her in a mess. Not only did she have trouble breaking it down to all those close to her, she also constantly worried about socializing with people, intent in believing that she will be denied any love. Sure enough, she took her first rejection too hard, certain that this meant her love life has gone down the drains. Fast forwarding to 8 months, she had come to terms with her condition, feeling bold about mentioning it to people. Cupid’s bow struck her when she met Jaime in her office, a sweetheart who loved her for being “Gemma” and not “Gemma with herpes”.

Regardless of how bad your condition is, it is always easy to take good care of yourself, if you have acquired oral or genital herpes. You have to keep in mind that you are not damaged goods for people to trample over. Rather, you are now a mature person who must let the right person in who could respect you and your body, alongside loving you for who you are: a beautiful human being who is responsible and confident enough to share her secret with whoever she wishes to.