Just a quick post to let you know that vaginal herpes is not different from any other form of herpes. All herpes viruses come from the herpes simplex virus of which there are two types. I know this is shocking but they are actually called Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV1) and Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV2). While it is possible for either virus to appear on either the mouth or genital region, the vast majority, experience HSV1 on the mouth (yes, all cold sores are HSV1 – don’t listen to people who say, “It’s just a cold sore, not herpes.” At this point it’s your call whether to kindly suggest they seek out any medical dictionary or reference literature), and HSV2 in the genital region. This would be female genital herpes, vaginal herpes, vagina herpes, HSV2 – we can come up with many names but it’s all the same.
You don’t need to spend a lot of time (like I did) searching the internet for scary pictures or evil herpes experiences. It’s not the end of the world. And sometimes, because of what genital herpes can teach you about yourself, it’s the beginning of something great.
Vaginal Herpes
UPDATE (May 11, 2010):
I received a complaint (see comments below) that I would use the term, “vaginal herpes”, and that somehow I was suggesting that genital herpes comes from women. The author of the comment requested that I change my terminology to, “genital herpes”. Please understand that I in no way attribute any form of herpes as starting or spreading from only women.
I can say that according to Google, over 150 people search the term vaginal herpes every day and like I responded to the author I was attempting to reach this audience and let them know that vaginal herpes is in fact not different from genital herpes. People hear and call it different things and I wanted to set the record straight that female herpes, vaginal herpes, whatever you want to call it is either HSV1 or HSV2. So please don’t misunderstand. I do appreciate any and all comments and welcome your feedback.
You will also note from my responding comment that HSV is nothing to be ashamed of. Women do contract and spread herpes – we are equally as responsible as men for protecting our partners and using effective means (condoms, Valtrex) to stop the spread of HSV and to reduce the rates of herpes transmission.
Take care and be safe!
Nanci
Looking for more? Head on over to The Herpes Blog!
