Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide
Generally, genital herpes will not cause any other major health problems if you are, by and large, a healthy person.
However, genital herpes can affect you in ways other than physical health. Concern about outbreaks or of spreading the disease to your partner or your baby may cause you to feel scared, anxious, stressed, and even depressed. Also, depending on how you contracted the disease, you may feel betrayed, angry, and alone.
Speak with your doctor if you begin to experience these feelings, especially if they begin to interfere with how you are living or enjoying your life. In addition to your primary care doctor, you may need some counseling. Support from a mental health professional can help you deal with your emotions so that you can move on and live your life to the fullest. Visit the American Social Health Association’s website to find local, free, and confidential support groups for people concerned about herpes.
Although there is no cure for genital herpes, it can be managed so that it is less severe and so that outbreaks don’t last as long. If you have genital herpes, you can get on with your life and your personal relationships. You just have to be more mindful and careful of your actions.
Keep in mind that if your immune system doesn’t work properly or if you are pregnant, it is especially important that you discuss treatment and prevention options with your doctor. If your immune system doesn’t work properly, genital herpes may last longer than usual or the symptoms you experience may be more severe. If you are pregnant, there is a chance that you can spread genital herpes to your baby. Speak with your doctor about how to prevent spreading genital herpes to your baby.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Genital Herpes
About Your Risk of Developing Genital Herpes
About Treatment Options
About Lifestyle Changes
About Your Outlook
References:
Drake S, Taylor S, Brown D, Pillay D. Improving the care of patients with genital herpes. BMJ. 2000;321:619-623.
Genital herpes. National Women’s Health Information Center website. Available at: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/stdherpe.htm . Accessed: July 21, 2005.
Herpes: get the facts. American Social Health Association website. Available at: http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html . Accessed July 18, 2005.
Talking to your doctor about genital herpes. International Herpes Alliance website. Available at: http://www.herpesalliance.org/resources_07.htm . Accessed July 25, 2005.
Last reviewed September 2010 by Lawrence Frisch, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.