One of the biggest concerns of anyone sexually active is the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). On that note, it is important to stick to the sexual guidelines to ensure you’re safe.
Genital herpes is one of the many dangerous STDs with no known cure. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid it altogether. However, different treatments are available if you are caught in the crossfire.
The primary goal of these treatments is to help infected persons manage the symptoms so they can continue with their lives. People can choose to use genital creams, over-the-counter, or natural genital herpes treatments.
Still, your best bet is avoiding herpes altogether! In this article, we give you tips on how to avoid herpes through safe practices effectively.
These tips are easy to follow, and you can have a safe and herpes-free life when you follow them well. They also protect you from other forms of deadly STDs, so read on.
What is Herpes?
Herpes is an STD caused by two different viruses:
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1: This mainly causes oral herpes and can be transmitted with or without sexual contact.
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
How does Herpes Spread?
Genital herpes spreads when a person has anal, vaginal, or oral sex with someone who is already infected with the virus. You can get herpes when you come in contact with an infected:
- Herpes sore
- Saliva from a person who has oral herpes
- Genital fluids
- The skin of the genital area
- Skin in the mouth of someone with oral herpes
Here Are 8 Tips for Prevention of Genital Herpes
You can prevent genital herpes by adhering to the following:
1. Abstaining from Sex
The best and most effective way of preventing any STD is to avoid every form of sex. If you don’t come in contact with an infected person, you have a 100% chance of preventing it.
You can abstain from oral, vaginal, and anal sex with anyone for a while until you find one stable herpes-free partner. Or can abstain from sex forever. Either way, you can prevent ever contracting the virus entirely.
2. Use Protection During Sex
If you decide not to abstain, you must always use protection during sex. The use of protection helps to lower the chances of getting the diseases significantly.
Although it is not 100%, some types are more effective than others. When used correctly, you can protect yourself from genital herpes for up to 99%.
Males should use latex condoms before the penis comes in contact with any part of the vagina, mouth, or anus. Make sure to use them correctly, and avoid using a torn condom.
3. Have Limited Sexual Partners
A long-term relationship with one person reduces the risk of getting herpes. Make sure you are faithful to each other, and none of you has the disease.
This protects you from exposure to other people who could be carrying the virus. Having fewer sexual partners makes you less likely to get exposed to the virus.
g such a question might be uncomfortable, but you must discuss it. A person with many sexual partners is more likely to have the virus than someone with fewer.
It is still possible for a person to have many partners and not have the disease, but it is easier to narrow down the risk if they have not.
4. Ask About your Partner’s Sexual History
Asking such a question might be uncomfortable, but you must discuss it. A person with many sexual partners is more likely to have the virus than someone with fewer.
It is still possible for a person to have many partners and not have the disease, but it is easier to narrow down the risk if they have not.
5. Find Out if Your Partner Has Had AAny Previous STD
Many people infected with herpes may not know they have it. Some cases do not have symptoms, or sometimes the symptoms are mild and easily ignored. A person with a history of STDs is very likely to have genital herpes due to how common and easy it spreads.
Although these conversations are uncomfortable, you must prioritize your health and safety. So you avoid doing something you regret.
It is also essential to remember that there is no shame in having the virus. We are all human. Life goes on if they take the necessary treatment steps and are consistent.
6. Get Yourself Tested
Getting tested is especially important for long-term relationships, especially for people who intend to get married. You should be sure to get tested and check the results before engaging in any form of sexual intercourse.
When you are sure you are safe, you can be confident that you will have a safe and healthy sex life. Free of any form of viruses and diseases.
Another benefit of getting tested is the freedom to have unprotected sex. This is for couples who intend to have children. They can have children without any risk of passing herpes through unprotected sex.
7. Avoid Douching
Douching the vagina strips a woman of some healthy bacteria needed to protect the vagina from infections. This increases the risk of getting infected in women. If a woman practices good hygiene, her vagina will remain clean and safe from harmful bacteria. Douching is not necessary.
But if you feel you must douche, then it is a good idea to avoid any vaginal sex until the vagina has time to grow back all the necessary bacteria needed to protect you from infections.
9. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Using substances such as drugs and alcohol clouds one’s judgment and makes you more likely to have unprotected and careless sex. Excessive alcohol can cause you to ignore the necessary guidelines you need to protect yourself during sex.
You could forget to use a condom or have sex with someone you do not know who is a carrier of the virus. Avoid using such substances in a crowded area where you know you are at risk if you engage in sexual activity with anyone.