The topical agent works for preventing herpes 2 in mice, when applied within 2 hours after contact with the virus, or as much as one week before contact. The substance works by use of RNAi:  a biological process that knocks out genes that enable herpes to travel and multiply.  For years scientists have attempted to make a product like this; a microbicide cream or gel to prevent spreading of sexually transmitted diseases.  Now it remains to be seen if this is successful in humans as it was in mice.

According to the World Health Organization, over 500 million people have HSV2-genital herpes. It is hoped this new product will not only protect adults during sexual contact, but prevent herpes from transferring to infants of infected mothers during childbirth. Babies contracting congenital HSV2 can suffer brain damage or die if not treated.  HSV2 is not fatal in adults but it increases their risk of catching Aids, which of course is fatal.

This drug works by the process of RNAi; simply put, it not only stops the host from transmitting the disease, but also disables the receiving ability of a potentially new host.  The RNAi process earned a Nobel Prize for its potential to prevent spread of all STDs.   The process has some kinks when adapting for human use, because it deals with delicate, microscopic cell material that can break down before having a chance to work. No adverse effects were found in studies with mice; the task remains to create a form that works in humans. More studies have been funded through the National Institutes of Health and corporate donors, not only to perfect the topical agent to prevent spread of herpes 2, but also to develop a microbicide that will stop spread of HIV-aids.

2. Acyclovir, also a prescription antiviral pill, comes in generic form, so its less expensive for patients.  It is recommended for protecting newborn babies from getting herpes simplex from the mother.

Herpes simplex ulcer

3.  Suppressive therapy - one of the above or similarly effective anti virals is taken daily.  This has shown to reduce outbreaks by as much as 75%.  Also a specific trial of  400 mg of acyclovir  twice daily showed over 90% reduction in shedding of the infection, i.e. the chances of transimissin of the virus was greatly reduced.   Taking 1 to 2 anti-viral pills daily  has shown no health risks.

4.  Best topical treatment - Acyclovir cream:  Used at first sign of a sore , it may prevent the sore from developing.

5.  Abreva - An over the counter cream, it is the only topical available without a prescription that is clinically proven to speed healing.  Other creams and ointments will numb the area of the sore and decrease pain, but they also lengthen the healing time, so are not recommended.

]]> http://www.herpetreatmentsadvice.com/sexual-health/top-5-herpes-medications-and-remedies/feed http://www.herpetreatmentsadvice.com/sexual-health/how-to-tell-your-doctor-you-have-herpes http://www.herpetreatmentsadvice.com/sexual-health/how-to-tell-your-doctor-you-have-herpes#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:33:00 +0000 admin http://www.herpetreatmentsadvice.com/?p=603

Many people feel that genital herpes, is a difficult subject to talk about with their doctor. It is important to be open and honest with your doctor about the symptoms and severity of your herpes outbreaks. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’d like to try a medication that will help you stop or shorten a recurrent genital herpes outbreak.

When you talk to your Doctor

• Be honest, there’s very little that your doctor hasn’t heard from other patients already.

• Take the time to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms and how severe or uncomfortable they are.

• Talk about a herpes treatment that can help you manage your outbreaks.

Tell your Doctor

• If you have been previously diagnosed with genital herpes

• How long it’s been since your first outbreak

• How many outbreaks you’ve had in the past 3 months

• If you’d like to treat each outbreak as it happens rather than taking medication every day

•You may also want to ask your doctor if you can stop or shorten your outbreaks.

Discussing Your Genital Herpes Symptoms

• Doctors are trained to diagnose herpes and help patients manage outbreaks.

• 1 in 5 people has Genital Herpes

• There are a wide range of symptoms a person may experience during an outbreak.

• Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you have experienced.

• Be sure to mention the severity and frequency of your outbreaks.

• Would you feel more comfortable talking to a doctor over the phone, rather than going to their office?

These are some common symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak

• Itching or tingling in or around the genital area

• Burning in or around the genital area

• Aches or pains in or around the genital area

• A rash, bumps, blisters, cuts, or sores in or around the genital area

• Vaginal or penile discharge

• Burning and/or pain when urinating

• Flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, and swollen glands

The Warning Signs of a Genital Herpes Outbreak

Many people can recognize their individual early warning symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak. Common early warning symptoms may include, pain, burning, itching, tingling, or tenderness.

Prescription Medications

Acyclovir

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is primarily used to treat outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus in the skin. This powerful medicine is also used to treat outbreaks of shingles and chickenpox. Acyclovir offers relief to many people suffering from genital herpes and provides a way to control their symptoms and duration of outbreaks, enabling them to live a healthy, normal lifestyle.

Valtrex

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral prescription medication which is used to treat patients who are suffering from outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus, cold sores and shingles. This drug has been clinically proven to reduce the duration and the severity of outbreaks as well as limiting the occurrence of future outbreaks.

Famvir

Genital Herpes, Cold Sores, and Shingles Treatment.
Famvir (famciclovir) is an antiviral prescription medication which is prescribed to treat outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus including cold sores and shingles. When taken properly it can help to reduce the duration of the symptoms and prevent future outbreaks

Denavir

Denavir (penciclovir topical) is an antiviral topical cream that is used to treat reoccurring cold sores on the mouth. When used as directed, it can lessen the duration and the symptoms of cold sores and suppress them from reoccurring.

Over The Counter Medications

Abreva

the first and only non-prescription cold sore medication approved by the FDA to shorten healing time and duration of herpes symptoms. For those of you that do not realize this, cold sores and fever blisters are the herpes simplex virus.

H-Balm

H-Balm and H-Balm Daily are breakthrough medical treatments for genital herpes, oral herpes (cold sores), and canker sores. H-Balm is 100% pure, all natural and CERTIFIED ORGANIC. All extracts and essential oils in H-Balm have been tested to be 100% chemical and pesticide free, no synthetic substances present. H-balm is highly recommended over other topical treatments. H-Balm and H-Balm Daily represent the safest, most efficient and affordable means available to help eliminate herpes and cold sore outbreaks.

Viralprin

Viralprin™ is a unique blend of ingredients that have been shown to have powerful immune boosting properties.
Viralprin™ is specifically formulated to help relieve symptoms associated with Herpes.
Viralprin™ is an all-natural supplement containing ingredients that have been shown to be safe.

Medavir

MedaVir is a safe topical antiviral medication applied directly to the site of infection before and during a herpes simplex outbreak. MedaVir is a clear, odorless gel that prevents outbreaks and lessens the amount of virus in the body with each successive treatment. Eventually your own body’s defenses are enough to prevent all outbreaks when the level of virus is lowered substantially with MedaVir Treatment.

Herpes.com

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Wikipedia.org

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WebMD

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Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

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Planned Parenthood

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Herpes Journal

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AshaStd.org

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HealthBoards

HEALTHY MESSAGE BOARDS

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Wellsphere.com

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Fox News healthblogs

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The Survivors Club

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Daily Strength.org

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Herpes Connection Blog

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Sex Health Guru

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Medical News Today

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Herpes Dating Advice

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What is genital herpes?

It is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). When signs occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur.

How do people get genital herpes?

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but they also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.

HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” HSV-1 infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genital HSV-1 outbreaks recur less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks.

Signs and symptoms

Most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection. However, if signs and symptoms occur during the first outbreak, they can be quite pronounced, and usually occur within two weeks after the virus is transmitted. The sores typically heal within two to four weeks. Other signs and symptoms during the primary episode may include a second crop of sores, and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands.

Treatments

There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications, such as Valtrex or Acyclovir can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.  In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Your Immune System

The common cold and sunlight seem to trigger outbreaks of oral herpes (cold sores), but no proof exists that they trigger genital herpes outbreaks.

It’s possible that having a weakened immune system does, too. People whose immune systems are weakened, possibly by an immune disorder like Multiple Sclerosis, tend to have outbreaks more often than people with normal immune functioning do.

Trauma to the body, such as having surgery, or a car accident may also make herpes symptoms appear.

Hormones

Hormonal changes, like those that occur in the menstrual cycle, can affect genital herpes outbreaks. No one knows why yet.

Stress

Managing stress in healthy ways may help reduce how often you have a genital herpes outbreak. Ongoing stress lasting more than a week seems to trigger genital herpes outbreaks more than any other lifestyle factor.

Here are five steps you can take to manage stress better:

1. Get enough sleep
2. Balance your diet
3. Exercise
4. Reach out
5. Relax

Although persistent stress may lead to outbreaks, the little stressful events and annoyances you face in your daily life do not appear to be stressful enough to trigger genital herpes symptoms, unless you have an underlying condition.

The Factors of Sex

Some people find that the friction of sexual intercourse irritates the skin and brings on symptoms. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce irritation.

Don’t use one that contains the spermacide nonoxynol-9, however. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate mucous membranes, such as the lining of the vagina.

Oil-based lubricants are bad, too. They weaken latex, making condoms more likely to break.

Even if the friction of intercourse seems to be a trigger for your symptoms, it probably won’t cause a flare-up every time you have sex.

1. www.positivesingles.com
   This website is a comprehensive accumulation of information regarding several STIs besides herpes such as HPV. It boasts a team of counselors, in addition to forums, blogs, and up to date news regarding a host of STIs. Furthermore, it’s user friendly, with many members, which is definitely a plus. Membership rates begin at $19.95 for a one month subscription.
2. www.h-date.com
   Although not as fancy as many of the other websites listed here, H-Date has a highly active community forum, covering topics from Herpes treatment to being pregnant with herpes. Membership rates begin at $9.95 for one month, but posting your profile is free.
3. www.hmates.com
   H-Mates is a very user friendly site for individuals with not only herpes but HPV as well. It has a nice set up and is similar to your average dating site. If you’re shopping for the best bargain and would not like to commit to any one website as of yet, H-Mates allows you to try their site for one month on a trial basis. And get this, after the free trial, membership starts at only $5 a month.
4. www.mpwh.net
   This website provides a lot of good information, even if it’s presented in a slightly odd format. The main goal of this site isn’t necessarily to match singles with herpes, but more to educate the public regarding the disease. That being said, there are chat sessions available and a medical advisor online. If you scroll to the bottom of the homepage, information regarding the actually dating section is mentioned there.
5. www.herpesdating.com
   This page is designed like your typical dating website, but for people with herpes. It’s user friendly and relatively easy to navigate between options. It’s quite simple, so if you’re looking for a website that just has the essentials, definitely check out this one. You can find membership rates listed on the actual site.

For a more exhaustive review of dating websites for people living with herpes, check out www.datingwithherpes.org which gives a complete blow by blow comparison of the websites available. Good luck and here’s hoping you find someone truly special!

herpes-virus

This is an image of the herpes virus. It may look harmless, or even kind of neat. But this virus has infected over 60 million Americans and counting with the type that causes genital herpes HSV-2.

In a recent study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and The American Social Health Association, there are more than 15 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections each year. That’s 41,095 people, newly infected, every day!

Oral Herpes - HSV-1

oral herpes

Up to 80 percent of Americans have the most common form of herpes (HSV-1) at some time. It usually appears as oral herpes and is most often spread without sexual contact.

HSV-1 usually occurs around the mouth. The blister-like sores are commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Herpes often looks like a mosquito bite or paper cut, sometimes a zit or a whitehead. The skin can become red and tender. Then swelling may occur until small blisters appear.

Sometimes they gather in to a larger blister. The blisters can be transparent, whitish, yellowish or filled with a greenish liquid. Symptoms may vary from time to time, the appearance of the blisters also. They may change size, shape or color or appear in a different spot.

Genital Herpes - HSV-2

genital herpes

Genital Herpes can causes lesions or sores that appear around and even inside the vaginal area and cervix for women, and on the scrotum and penis for men. Both females and males could also get lesions and sores in the urinary tract, on the thighs and buttocks and around the anal opening.In some rare cases, sores and lesions have been discovered on other body parts as well.

The first few symptoms of genital herpes are the peculiar small red bumps that later on develop into blisters. These blisters will then become painful open sores that will eventually dry up, crust over and will then heal without leaving any scars.

Congenital Herpes - mother to baby

genital herpes spread to baby

Newborn infants can become infected with herpes virus:

• In the uterus (intrauterine herpes — this is very rare)
• Passing through the birth canal (birth-acquired herpes, the most common method of infection)
• Right after birth (postpartum)

If the mother has an active genital herpes infection at the time of delivery, the baby is more likely to become infected during birth. Some mothers are not aware when they have internal (inside the vagina) herpes sores, so it is important for women to tell their doctor if they have a history of genital herpes.

In addition, some people have had herpes infections in the past, but were not aware of it and were never diagnosed or treated. These people, not knowing that they have herpes, may pass it to their baby.

Herpes type 2 (genital herpes) is the most common cause of herpes infection in newborn babies, but herpes type 1 (oral herpes) can also occur.