A Shocking Revelation About My Health: And I Will Answer Your Questions Here

Giovanni Casanova · Dec 15, 2004

Gentlemen... pull up a chair. I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. You may have noticed that although I rarely post in the Health & Fitness forum, that when I do my focus seems to be mainly on one particular topic. And you may have suspected why that is. And you would have been correct.

Today I am making that secret known to the whole board in the hopes that it will serve as a warning for some, and possibly a comfort for the others.

Gentlemen... I have genital herpes. I have had it for three years now. Genital herpes (HSV2) is an incurable disease caused by a virus that is typically transmitted by skin-to-skin contact of the genitals. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. It affects anywhere from 20% (1 in 5) to 25% (1 in 4) of all sexually active adults. A majority of those people are not even aware that they have and carry the disease.

At this time, if you have any questions about this particular STD in general, or my personal experiences in particular, I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

affliction · Dec 15, 2004

I don't have genital herpes, but I do have oral herpes. I've had it since I was a child. I believe I got it from kissing my mother is a kid.

Here's my question: Is genital herpes as easy to contain as oral herpes? I used to have some problems w/ getting "sores" on my lips when I was younger. It was very rare & very easy to treat. They would usually disappear in 2-3 days or so. I haven't had an outbreak in nearly 10 years now.

Oral herpes is really no big deal to me. Is genital herpes the same way?

Giovanni Casanova · Dec 15, 2004

Originally posted by affliction
I don't have genital herpes, but I do have oral herpes. I've had it since I was a child. I believe I got it from kissing my mother is a kid.

Here's my question: Is genital herpes as easy to contain as oral herpes? I used to have some problems w/ getting "sores" on my lips when I was younger. It was very rare & very easy to treat. They would usually disappear in 2-3 days or so. I haven't had an outbreak in nearly 10 years now.

Oral herpes is really no big deal to me. Is genital herpes the same way?

There are definitely a few minor differences between genital herpes and oral herpes. However, in many ways they are very similar.

Some people have genital herpes worse than others, but basically imagine a cold sore (or sores) on and around your penis (usually at the base). Sometimes (usually the first time) there are also some flu-like symptoms. Also, typically, the first outbreak is the worst, and then they become less severe and less frequent as time goes on.

Most people have oral herpes, even if they don't call it that. A lot of people also have genital herpes but there is certainly still a stigma about this disease.

Matt Rogers · Dec 15, 2004

I am really sorry to hear about your affliction Giovanni.

Are there any precauations one can take to avoid catching it, other than always wearing a condom?

Giovanni Casanova · Dec 15, 2004

Originally posted by Matt Rogers
I am really sorry to hear about your affliction Giovanni.

Are there any precauations one can take to avoid catching it, other than always wearing a condom?

It's honestly not really that huge of a deal.

Wearing a condom all the time is good practice for many reasons, and it will HELP somewhat to prevent contracting herpes... however, herpes infections are often outside of the range of a condom (i.e., in the pelvic region and upper thigh areas). During outbreaks herpes sores are often visible, but even then there is virus before and after the outbreak when you might not see any visible signs.

They are working on a herpes vaccine but there's no telling when or if that will ever go into production. In the meantime, you really should be as careful as you can be and realize that you are taking a risk when you have sex.

Fatality · Dec 15, 2004

Sorry to hear this.

Does this mean you have to have protected sex for the rest of your life? Meaning you can't try to have children?

Giovanni Casanova · Dec 15, 2004

Originally posted by Fatality
Sorry to hear this.

Does this mean you have to have protected sex for the rest of your life? Meaning you can't try to have children?

No. When someone has herpes they have a couple of options:

If you're with a girl who is one of the 1 in 4 that already has it, bonus. I have it, you have it, we have it, so all is well.
Otherwise, you just need to be as safe as possible. You won't transmit the virus unless you're in a stage of outbreak, but it's not always 100% possible to know exactly when that is. Obviously if there are symptoms (sores) then you want to be very safe during that time (or not have sex at all during an outbreak).
There is talk about a vaccine to prevent people from catching herpes. That might be an option for people to protect their partners in the future.[/list=1] You can still have children if you have herpes and they will not catch it. You really can pretty much live a completely normal life, even an (almost) completely normal sex life.

prosemont · Dec 15, 2004

Gio, congratulations on your courage for making this announcement and being available to answer questions about it.

While I don't have genital herpes, I'm interested in the subject and all stds (having had chlamydia for most of the 80's and early 90's -- let's just say I had perpetual refills of doxycycline on hand -- I'm dating myself here).

Let me tell you a story ...

I did have a herpes "scare" a couple years ago when I met this woman (a med student at the time, now a physician) and we talked at length about our sexual histories/diseases and she denied having herpes. I banged her for awhile using condoms but a couple times didn't use condoms with her.

We broke up but stayed friends and would compare notes -- she told me that some guy she had slept with was "in for a huge surprise" when he discovered that she had given him herpes because she had had an outbreak right after sleeping with him (totally forgetting that she had told ME that she didn't have herpes).

As you can imagine, I flipped out on her and freaked out in general and got a blood test:

no outbreaks, no genital herpes.

Relieved, but for a few days there I researched the hell out of it and became an expert on herpes.

Lots of people have genital herpes. Over 25% of all people, so it must be significantly higher in certain sexually active age groups.

Be careful out there guys and don't believe a word any woman tells you. If you want to be completely safe, swap std tests. In lieu of that, be sure to inspect (!) and to wrap it to minimize your exposure.

Giovanni Casanova · Dec 15, 2004

Originally posted by prosemont
Relieved, but for a few days there I researched the hell out of it and became an expert on herpes.

I did the same thing when I first found out. I have had this for three years (in other words, I had it before I ever came on this forum).

DJDamage · Dec 15, 2004

Tough luck Gio but a guy like you always manages to come up on top.

Here are my questions regarding this: 90% of the population has oral herpes on the mouth which an outbreak occurs when its either their immune system gets weak or from cold winds or too much sun.

If a chick gives you a BJ without a condom and she does not have the outbreak on the mouth (meaning its not visible) can you still get the virus on your d1ck? I heard its different type of virus as well?? as well you said you got yours on the base of the penis, but can it spread or does it ever occur in your pee hole? because I could imagine it could be very painful up there.

As well when you don't have an outbreak do you ever tell the girls you pick up before going to bed with them???

If you wash all the area of your d1ck with soap after you have intercourse with an infected chick, will it help? how long does it take the virus to incubate? is it immediatly??? will taking any vitamins or supplements help?

You did say ask me anything!

DJLegion · Dec 19, 2004

Originally posted by Giovanni Casanova
No. When someone has herpes they have a couple of options:

If you're with a girl who is one of the 1 in 4 that already has it, bonus. I have it, you have it, we have it, so all is well.

Otherwise, you just need to be as safe as possible. You won't transmit the virus unless you're in a stage of outbreak, but it's not always 100% possible to know exactly when that is. Obviously if there are symptoms (sores) then you want to be very safe during that time (or not have sex at all during an outbreak).

There is talk about a vaccine to prevent people from catching herpes. That might be an option for people to protect their partners in the future.[/list=1] You can still have children if you have herpes and they will not catch it. You really can pretty much live a completely normal life, even an (almost) completely normal sex life.

Hey guys, I think there is some misinformation floating around. So I went on google and searched for Genital Herpes and founds this site: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdherp.htm . Every thing in quotes from now on will come directly from the site (Please read the link for more information on this subject).

1) There is a chance that genital herpes can become oral herpes. This statement comes from the site: "HSV type 1 most commonly infects the lips, causing sores known as fever blisters or cold sores, but it also can infect the genital area and produce sores. HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth." Also, this statement, "A person with genital herpes also can infect a sexual partner during oral sex. The virus is spread only rarely, if at all, by touching objects such as a toilet seat or hot tub."

2) "Both HSV 1 and 2 can produce sores (also called lesions) in and around the vaginal area, on the penis, around the anal opening, and on the buttocks or thighs. Occasionally, sores also appear on other parts of the body where the virus has entered through broken skin."

3) "According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45 million people in the United States ages 12 and older, or 1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population, are infected with HSV-2."

4) "If a woman has her first episode of genital herpes while she is pregnant, she can pass the virus to her unborn child and may deliver a premature baby. Half of the babies infected with herpes either die or suffer from damage to their nerves. A baby born with herpes can develop serious problems that may affect the brain, the skin, or the eyes. If babies born with herpes are treated immediately with acyclovir, their chances of being healthy are increased.

If a pregnant woman has an outbreak, which is not the first episode, her baby's risk of being infected during delivery is very low. In either case, if you are pregnant and infected with genital herpes, you should stay in close touch with your doctor before, during, and after your baby is born.

If a woman is having an outbreak during labor and delivery and there are herpes lesions in or near the birth canal, the doctor will do a cesarean section to protect the baby. Most women with genital herpes, however, do not have signs of active infection with the virus during this time, and can have a normal delivery."

5) "If you have early signs of a herpes outbreak or visible sores, you should not have sexual intercourse or oral sex until the signs are gone and/or the sores have healed completely. Between outbreaks, using male latex condoms during sexual intercourse may offer some protection from the virus. When used with these precautions, Valtrex can also help prevent infecting your partner during heterosexual sex."

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Please note, that Gential Herpes can still be passed if you wear a condom. Face it, theres other places close to your stick that the genital herpes can infect. Be safe with who you choose as your partner and ALWAYS wear a condom. Period. Good Luck.

I also admire you Gio for being able to share your story.

CLOONEY · Dec 19, 2004

When I hear people say "be safe with who you choose as your partner", it makes me laugh. You cannot be SAFE, one girl who has only had sex ONCE in her life can give you an STD. And as you say, some can have it passed down from their parents.

I have personally had a few scares and am PARANOID about STD's, well not really herpes so much, more HIV. Luckily I live in a country where the odds of contracting it amongst the hetero population are nearly one of the lowest in the world. I have been tested too and luckily have come out clear of anything so far!

Gio, glad you can tell us about it. I have been sleeping with a LOT of woman lately, and will go and get myself tested again soon. Thats one thing about being a "Don Juan" that is almost like a curse. Getting a lot of hot puzzy also gives you a much higher chance of contracting an STD.

Take it easy.

DJLegion · Dec 19, 2004

Originally posted by CLOONEY
When I hear people say "be safe with who you choose as your partner", it makes me laugh. You cannot be SAFE, one girl who has only had sex ONCE in her life can give you an STD. And as you say, some can have it passed down from their parents.

The chance of getting infected with STDs goes up as the number of partners goes up. I understand that you might get lucky/unlucky sometimes but if you f*** someone who laid 15 men, where those 15 men laid 2 women each, and those women laid....etc, etc, etc....then that leaves a lot of room for STDs to move around. You can never be sure, but what I meant by "be safe with who you choose as your partner" is to use your reasoning.

CLOONEY · Dec 19, 2004

Yes, but then again I know quiet a few girls who sleep with multiple partners, however they are tested regularly and are always safe.

Then I know good girls, who have only slept with one or two guys their entire lives, but these have been boyfriends and done without protection, and most good girls NEVER feel the need to be tested.

Just a few thoughts

DJLegion · Dec 19, 2004

Originally posted by CLOONEY
Yes, but then again I know quiet a few girls who sleep with multiple partners, however they are tested regularly and are always safe.

Then I know good girls, who have only slept with one or two guys their entire lives, but these have been boyfriends and done without protection, and most good girls NEVER feel the need to be tested.

Just a few thoughts

I agree. This is like shooting in the dark.

myfriendblu · Dec 19, 2004

Originally posted by Giovanni Casanova

Most people have oral herpes, even if they don't call it that. A lot of people also have genital herpes but there is certainly still a stigma about this disease.

Thats quite an understatement. I have heard that 3 out of 4 sexually active people have oral herpes. And considering some of the players we got on this board, my best guess would be a mojority of the veteran players here got it. I have no clue if i got it, but I sure as fuk wouldn't bet against it. Its just toooo easy to get it. A deep kiss is all it takes, and there only has to be the smallest, minor of a sore on the lips/ or even inside the lips area. LOL now that i think of all the skanks I shoved my toung down.....uuuuhhhhh boy.

penkitten · Dec 19, 2004

Originally posted by myfriendblu
Thats quite an understatement. I have heard that 3 out of 4 sexually active people have oral herpes. And considering some of the players we got on this board, my best guess would be a mojority of the veteran players here got it. I have no clue if i got it, but I sure as fuk wouldn't bet against it. Its just toooo easy to get it. A deep kiss is all it takes, and there only has to be the smallest, minor of a sore on the lips/ or even inside the lips area. LOL now that i think of all the skanks I shoved my toung down.....uuuuhhhhh boy.

blu, the statisics say 3 out of 4 for both types of herpes.
i know i read and hear about it each day that some people just dont know they have it and are asymtomatic spreading it around unknowingly, however i feel this is a cop out to cover the embarrassment of it. i feel like you know when you have it because of the break out that you get.
it sounds so dirty and bad, but it isnt.
sure it makes for uncomfortable situations and discussions sometimes , however there are ways around this, for example only dating others with this.
your life isnt over if you catch it, even if it feels that way at first.

the reason he posted this thread, was simply to inform others of how easy it is to catch, how it is hard to prevent catching it ( for example , i got it with a condom) and just to tell everyone to be careful.

herpes is merely just cold sores, thats all .

myfriendblu · Dec 20, 2004

Originally posted by penkitten
blu, the statisics say 3 out of 4 for both types of herpes.
.

Nope, its 1 out of 4 for genital herpes, Im positive on that, I just read it. Thats still A LOT of people.

But it is 3 out of 4 for oral. I was at the dentist the other day, first time in 6 months. And so they gave me this new questionair to fill out in the waiting room. And in it was questions regarding your health and past history of disease. And one of the questions whas Do you have oral or genital herpes. After i finished answering the questionair and the dental associate came over to escort me to the office I was explaining to her what a vague question that was, most people have no clue, and that probably at least 75 percent of the clientel that she works on has oral herpes and she gave me this perplexed look. I gave her one back and told her Im pretty suprised that a health care practionaire like herself SHOULD know that, LOL. I was like if you don't believe me go look it up. LOL I think i shocked and freaked her out, LOL.

Giovanni Casanova · Dec 20, 2004

Originally posted by 2xp
so the question is : how do i know that a girl has genital herpes ... where exactly to look for... how does those sores look like... how big are they

The exact size and look of the sores can vary but you can find some sample photos on the web if you look at some medical sites.

Basically the best description I can give you is this: Have you ever had a cold sore in or around your mouth, or seen anyone who has? Basically we're talking about the same thing, except in the genital area, the crotch, the upper legs, the ass. Red, somewhat moist, usually fairly small -- maybe the same size around as the head of a thumbtack. Some people will only have one... some may have several. They are typically somewhat painful if pressure is applied to them.

AND i am also wondering how do i "inspect" the next girl i'm sleeping with without looking like a freak ?

By looking at her naked. This is by no means fool-proof, but that's usually the first thing that even a doctor would do to determine if you have genital herpes. But be aware that the virus can be "shedding" even if there are no visible sores. So you still have to be careful no matter what. Short of giving the lucky gal a blood test and a chastity belt, I don't know what else you can do.

Cesare Cardinali · Dec 21, 2004

Hey Gio,

I'm sorry to hear about this but glad that you're handling it ok.

Couple of questions:

1. Did the chick tell you beforehand that she had it or did she lie about it? Where you using a condom when it happened?

2. Did you dump her when you found out? How did that all play out?

3. Do you tell new chicks about this before banging them or do you tell them only when talk of no longer using a condom comes up?

4. Do you take meds for this during outbreaks or do you take them to prevent outbreaks or do you just let nature take it's course?

5. How did you respond when you found out about this and was it tough for you to get over the news and what did you do to get over it?

Thank bro, I'd like to know this stuff and I think it'll help other guys too.

Cesare Cardinali

A Shocking Revelation About My Health: And I Will Answer Your Questions Here

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