6 Tips for Dating Someone with Herpes

Herpes is a common condition that affects two-thirds of the world’s population. It can take in two forms: oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). In the US, about half of people under the age of 50 are infected with HSV-1. And, one out of every eight people have HSV-2 infections. Most people with herpes have no symptoms, and that’s why they spread the virus without knowing it. If you’re worried about getting infected, there are some simple steps you can take to lower your chances. Read on to know six useful tips for dating someone with herpes.

Educate yourself about herpes

Once your partner informs you that he or she has herpes, it’s on you to do your homework. You’ll need to get reading. This website, doctor-treatments.com, is a great resource for you to learn about herpes. Besides, you can do some searches on Google and start learning about this virus.

Dating someone with herpes is not easy since the condition is very contagious. You can get herpes by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who is infected with HSV. Several non-sexual ways, such as kissing or sharing utensils and towels can also put you at risk of herpes.  

Herpes can look like genital warts or other skin conditions. If you think you have this condition, speak to your doctor. Often, herpes causes outbreaks of painful sores or blisters. They are small, fluid-filled and can ooze and crust over. Herpes can appear anywhere on your body, but mainly in the mouth and genitals.

Learn more: 8 Types of Herpes Virus and Infections That You Should Know

Give your partner emotional support

In healthy adults, herpes isn’t dangerous. But it can usually be itchy and painful. If your partner has herpes, you should understand that they may have days of having an outbreak. At that time, they may feel weak or depressed and don’t want to have sex.

If your partner just discloses their herpes status, don’t freak out. It’s best that you listen with your heart. Look into their eyes. Tell them that you admire their courage for telling you this. Give them a real hug. Maybe even cry with them. You can also ask them to tell more about their condition.

Make sure that he or she goes on medication

There is no cure for herpes. But antiviral medications can help ease symptoms and prevent future outbreaks. Before you start getting sexual, make sure that your partner is using ProsurX cream. This helps clear an infection quickly and reduce the chances of transmission. Many people use ProsurX when they feel an outbreak coming on and these blisters won’t ever occur. If this treatment does not help, your partner may need to take a prescription medication. It can include acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir.

Learn more: How to Tell if a Herpes Outbreak Is Coming

Practice safe sex to avoid infection

If you want to get sexual or be intimate, tell your partner. Make him or her feel comfortable. Take things slow. Be careful. As herpes is very contagious, you can take some steps below to prevent transmission.

• Never touch a herpes sore
• Wear condoms
• Not engage in sex before, during, and after outbreaks
• Consider dental dam or latex gloves during sex
• Encourage your partner to take medication
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking. Eat a healthy diet. Get enough sleep. Boost the immune system

By taking the above preventative tips, you can reduce your chances of getting herpes to less than 3%. Many people can still have sexual relationships for years without transmitting herpes.

Learn more: 10 Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Oral Sex with Herpes

Don’t shame people with herpes

Herpes is extremely common and you can get it at some point in your life. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine that one day you have herpes. Here are a few reasons that a person with herpes is worthy of love and respect.

• Herpes says nothing about someone’s sexual history. It is not necessary to have multiple sexual partners to get herpes. You can contract the disease from a partner who has cheated on you.
• You can get herpes in multiple ways. You don’t have to have sex to get herpes. The virus can be passed by a person with an outbreak by some ways. These are kissing, sharing razors, utensils or towels, and blood transfusion.
• Herpes is not the end of your sex or love life. As mentioned earlier, you can still date and have a normal sex life if you have herpes.
• Despite herpes, there are ways to keep you and your partner healthy. You can use antiviral drugs to treat herpes and prevent outbreaks. Many studies show that herpes can go away on its own in 1-2 weeks. Boosting the system can help reduce the severity and number of outbreaks in the future. To do this, avoid stress, use bulletproof deep immune support and take care of yourself.

Learn more: 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

Get yourself tested often

Whether you’re dating someone who has herpes or not, it’s always good to get tested regularly.

If you’re in a new relationship, pick the right time to ask if your partner has tested for an STD. If they have herpes, ask what type of viruses they have had and what type of test they got. A blood test is one of the most common tests for herpes. It can help identify if the virus is in your blood.

If you’re dating someone with herpes, check if you have any abnormal bumps or blisters on your body. Then, speak to your doctor and ask for being tested. Besides, keep getting screened for STDs every year.

Are you dating a person with herpes and worried about getting infected? Did this article change your perspective about staying with and continuing dating someone with herpes? Remember to share your thoughts in the comments section below.