If you have genital herpes, you may be scared, worried, or feel alone. These feelings are normal and should get better with time. In the meantime, consider the tips below. They may help you cope with having genital herpes.
- Be open and honest with your partner: tell him or her that you have genital herpes
- Protect yourself and your partner: abstain when you have lesions, or any signs of an outbreak
- Wear latex condoms every time you have sex (including oral sex)
- Be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of an outbreak; check your body
- Know your triggers
Remember, knowing all you can about genital herpes can help you be aware of your signs and symptoms. You and your doctor can talk about your treatment options and decide on a plan that works for you.
Do Your Homework. Read Everything You Can
There are a number of credible, health-related Web sites that have a wealth of information about genital herpes. So aside from asking your doctor questions, consider the following Web sites to learn more about genital herpes and how to protect yourself and your partner.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)