Sexual Life with Cold Sores and Herpes

Sexual Life with Cold Sores and Herpes: A Complete Guide Worth Reading
Genital herpes is never a good experience for anyone. Understandably, people feel down and even tend to accept that their sexual life with cold sores and herpes is over once they test positive to HSV-1 or HSV-2. However, this is not always the case. In fact, most people who had to deal with genital herpes are still having a pleasurable sexual and social life.
In other words, rather than starting to panic, you should first know that it’s highly possible to maintain a fulfilling romantic and sexual intimacy with your partner. How? In this guide, you are going to learn about having sex as a herpes patient, reducing transmission, and how to get through the challenging period to regain your normal sex life. Enjoy reading!
Introducing Genital Herpes and Its Prevalence
First off, you should know that herpes is not a strange or uncommon health condition. Many individuals recovered from genital herpes. The word “herpes” is a general term for different variants of herpes simplex virus (HSV), including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 and HSV-2 affect different nerves in the body and act differently. However, they exhibit similar symptoms.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type I
Here is the most well-known variant of the herpes virus. It’s known to affect about 50-70% of the global population below the age of 50. This means, close to half of the people you engage in conversation with daily are likely to have HSV-1.
This variant usually infects the skin, including lips, mouth, and face, then results in a cold sore outbreak. Although it’s rare, HSV-1 is capable of affecting genitals, which leads to an outbreak around the region.
Even though HSV-1 is quite common, the majority hardly experience the symptoms due to an infection. This means having a lifelong HSV-1infection doesn’t necessarily translate into the cold sore outbreak.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type II
This variant commonly affects the genital part of the body. HSV-2 is less popular compared to HSV-1. But it’s also quite common as more than 491 million people between the ages of 15 to 49 globally have HSV-2, according to World Health Organization data. This is about 11% of the entire population.
Hence, dealing with HSV-2 doesn’t mean you are disabled, unhealthy, or unclean. Do not feel that you are infected because you are not hygienic or have unsafe sexual behaviors. In fact, genital herpes is one of the most sexually transmitted infections in the world – everyone has a chance of being infected.
Focus on treating cold sores and herpes – not the sex
Although having herpes doesn’t stop you from having sexual intercourse with your partner, you are best advised to refrain once you are diagnosed as positive. For most individuals, the first time they knew about their infection is after the outbreak. The primary outbreak, otherwise known as the initial herpes outbreak, ideally takes place in two to three weeks after you are first infected. However, in some cases, you may not experience the symptoms for some weeks, months, or years.
The virus will replicate in your body during the primary outbreak. In this period, it will take over the cells and manifest quickly. Usually, genital herpes spread to the spinal ganglia and stay inactive. As for oral herpes, it ideally settles in the ganglia located behind your cheekbone. At least, it can spend two to three weeks in your body before apparent manifestation.
The primary outbreak usually features various symptoms, ranging from muscular aching, fever to flu-like fatigue. However, the most apparent symptom of the herpes virus is the presence of sores on lips (cold sores) or on the genitals. It can also affect the groin, buttocks, or legs. When you notice the symptoms, endeavor to stay away from sex. Otherwise, you can infect your sex partner during the initial outbreak.
Furthermore, endeavor to speak to a medical expert to manage the painful, unpleasant outbreaks, whether it’s a genital or oral infection. Depending on your case, the doctor may recommend antiviral drugs such as valacyclovir to quicken the healing rate. In other words, the medication helps recover from the primary outbreak quickly. Also, some over-the-counter pain-relieving medications may be recommended to treat the associated muscle pain, discomfort, or headache during the initial herpes outbreak.
Conclusion
Finally, do not forget that having genital cold sores and herpes is not the end of your sexual and social life. With the right medical attention, you’ll be able to get rid of the condition earlier than expected. Meanwhile, endeavor to take your mind off sexual intercourse pending full recovery to avoid getting your partner infected. Also, if you develop oral herpes, it’s highly recommended to avoid sharing house items such as glass cups and utensils, as well as avoid kissing your partner till recovered fully. By taking these measures, you’ll have no problem getting rid of herpes in no time.