QUOTE(neverendingsigh @ Apr 26 2009, 10:32 AM)
Thanks for the lengthy advice. I guess it was a nature of human to find out the cause when something unexpectedly happened out of the blue. I have yet to have any symptom down there except some normal ulcers on my inner mouth lips.
Both of us prefer to keep it between ourselves but she do warn her sister not to share pants (the one they wore at home) with her in the future. As her family was the type that is quite old-fashioned, I guess there's no point in telling them A-Z about what happened. Nevertheless, thank you very much for the effort you poured into writing the post. I've been in LYN for years so taking jabs & hits for a sensitive question is all a norm for me now.
Best thing to do now is to do a checkup on the ulcers in your mouth. Ask the GP about HSV1 and request to be checked for that. As mentioned by another forumner, herpes can't be removed permanently. Your gf will go through a very rough emotional rollercoaster now. Be strong for her sake.
Below are some info :
Getting herpes from oral sex» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «
Can I get genital herpes from oral sex
Can I get genital herpes from oral sex? Definitely! How? Having cold sore (oral herpes) means you are infected by HSV1 virus. HSV-1, which is a common disease-infecting majority of American population. Herpes simplex type 1 infection can spread easily to the genital area through oral sexual activity, even in the absence of symptoms. Once infected with genital herpes simplex type 1 the virus can spread through social kissing and also when performing oral sex.
After it is spread to the genital area, the virus can spread to the partner’s genitals during vaginal intercourse, thus causing genital herpes. The oral herpes virus reactivates more frequently in the oral area. You can get genital herpes through herpes simplex type 1 (oral herpes). If you have oral herpes it is advised to use condom during oral sex as it will cause genital herpes.
Can I get genital herpes from oral sex? Genital herpes can be transmitted through oral sex even if there are no signs of obvious sores and lesions.
In silent symptoms (asymtomatic) the person poses a high risk of transmitting the virus. It is dangerous to have oral sex even during the early signs of genital herpes outbreak. The virus (herpes simplex virus Type 2) is not only transmitted via sexual contact but also through oral sex and people with oral herpes (HSV-1) can also transmit the virus to another. These two different viruses can be passed on to another and therefore causing to have different types of viruses in your body. The person with cold sores or lip sores can spread the virus through oral sex activity. The risk of transmission can happen during exchanges of bodily fluids resulting from intimate encounters by oral, anal, genital intercourse, masturbation, kissing, or any direct skin-to-skin contact.
Can I get genital herpes from oral sex? Genital herpes and oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa. Both oral and genital herpes can recur from time to time. Some people have 4 recurrences in a year, while other people have them rarely or it may be no recurrences at all. If you are having genital herpes or cold sore, you should see a doctor even you don’t find any symptoms in you. There are tests that can prove that you may be carrying the virus with the absence of symptoms. Previous tests are done by visual inspection, however PCR (viral culture) and serology (blood tests) are two tests that are currently used. During PCR test the doctor will look at the area, take a sample from the affected area and tested in the lab under the microscope to see if the herpes virus is present. Blood tests is effective in making distinctions which type of HSV virus is affecting the patient.
If you have oral herpes (cold sore), avoid having oral sex. When you have an active outbreak, the virus can spread to your partner's genital area that will give your partner a genital herpes. Oral sex should not be performed to a pregnant mother if you have cold sore, as it will be a high risk to your unborn baby. To prevent transmission of the virus during genital herpes oral sex should be avoided.
The surest way is abstinence and no strictly sex when symptoms are present. Even without symptoms, if you have history of previous outbreak, there could be a potential risk of spreading to others. See your doctor for diagnosis and available treatment that is suited for your particular condition. Self-medication is discouraged especially that you are dealing with an incurable disease. The infection can be managed and symptoms can be relieved if proper medication is applied. Getting help from the medical experts is important to reduce the length of infection and prevent future outbreaks. The virus will remain in you depending on your physical condition, and the time of recurrence of any future outbreak is unknown.
and here's some info on how to cope with herpes :
For many people, receiving a diagnosis of HSV can be devastating, as it is a life-long ailment with no cure. While it does mean that you will have to be extra cautious, especially when involved in intimate relationships, HSV does not have to rule your life. There are many ways to make the symptoms more comfortable and reduce outbreaks to an absolute minimum.
- Use an ice pack to help alleviate pain and swelling, and take a hot bath (with a pinch of baking soda) to help reduce itching.
- Keep the affected area dry and clean.
- Avoid sexual intimacy until blisters have completely healed, and when the virus is dormant, always use a condom to reduce the chance of your partner contracting the virus.
- Apply tea tree oil directly onto the sores several times a day.
- Avoid touching, rubbing or scratching the sores and wash your hands immediately after contact with them to prevent the infection spreading to other areas or other people.
- Boost the immune system with daily exercise, sufficient sleep and a healthy balanced diet.
- Reduce stress levels and take care of your emotional well-being. Consider counseling or stress management if you struggle to do this alone.
- Increase vitamin C intake during outbreaks.
- Consider taking supplements of the amino acid L-lysine, zinc, and garlic.
- Make note of the 'trigger' foods that sometimes lead to outbreaks. Avoid spicy and acidic foods as well as foods high in salt when you have an outbreak.
sourced from Native RemediesThis post has been edited by chibi_tenko: Apr 26 2009, 01:33 PM