Herpes — or HSVII — is a nasty highly contagious infection that’s easily transmitted during intercourse or other intimate contact with the genitals, mouth or rectum.

The problem with herpes is that, although it’s at its most contagious when sores can be seen, it can be caught when there are no visible signs that a potential partner has the virus.

If you’ve ever had a cold-sore on your lip you’ll know what herpes is and an outbreak of genital herpes feels very similar; tingling and itching in the genital area followed by small blisters that can appear in groups or individually. Eventually the blisters burst leaving wet ulcers that hurt like hell when touched and sex often becomes too painful to even consider. Some people also experience flu like symptoms, vaginal discharge, painful urination and an enlarged and tender lymph node in the groin.

So how do you make sure you don’t catch it?

The most obvious answer is to ALWAYS use a condom. I know I’ve often mentioned the importance of condoms when swinging but I really can’t stress often enough just how important it is.

Also, if you notice that somebody has sores on their mouth, avoid oral sex with them (that includes oral-anal). Even though the sores we develop on our mouths are HSV-I, they can still infect the genitals.

Sadly, once you’ve contracted herpes, you’ll have it for life. There’s no cure so the virus will always stay with you and although you’ll probably have long, sore-free periods, you’ll still be a carrier and will feel very uncomfortable during outbreaks.

Luckily I’ve managed to avoid it but I have friends who have been unlucky and they all wish that they’d been more careful. Be sensible, please, and don’t become one of the statistics.

Sadie xx

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sexual health