Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease. Statistics reveal that one in five adults suffers from genital herpes. Since the disease is so common, it tends to become difficult to protect yourself against it.
The biggest challenge in preventing genital herpes is that those who have the infection are usually unaware of it. A person may be infected with the herpes simplex virus without the manifestation of any signs and symptoms. Since the person is not aware, the herpes virus can unknowingly be transmitted.
There are several precautions one can take to protect oneself from the herpes simplex virus.
The genital herpes virus is spread through close contact and exchange of bodily fluids. Unprotected sexual intercourse, therefore, can cause the transmission of this virus. The first step to avoid the transmission is to abstain from sexual intercourse with multiple partners. While it is not possible to completely abstain from sexual intercourse for the fear of herpes, it is important to be a little prudent and cautious and protect yourself from getting sexually intimate with people whose sexual history may not have been very healthy.
A person may not display any visible symptoms even when infected and could pass on the infection. Although the virus may be dormant the person could still act as a carrier. It is therefore better to abstain from having sex with people you do not know much about.
Also avoid oral and/or anal sex with such a person. The herpes simplex virus may enter your body from the saliva of the infected person. If you have any cuts or scrapes on your genitals, the virus can easily find an opening into your body.
Since the virus spreads through the exchange of fluids, cutting down on this exchange is vital in protecting yourself from the herpes virus. The use of condoms can help you prevent the spread of the virus. Having unprotected sex with an unknown, and sometimes even a known person, is akin to inviting scores of sexually transmitted disease. Even when you are with someone who you have known for a long time, it is best to use protection while having sex. Condoms should be used not only for vaginal sex, but even for anal or oral sex. For vaginal and anal sex, latex condoms should be used and for oral sex, a dental dam can be used.
It should, however, be understood that even though condoms are good for protection against AIDS and other STDs, they are not as effective against the herpes virus.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.