Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
Does the thought of talking to your doctor about sexual health give you butterflies or send a shiver down your spine?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s our top tips to make chatting to your doctor about sex a whole lot easier.
We’re talking about sexual activity that involves your butt. Anal play can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender or orientation and can be: Putting fingers or a tongue (rimming) around/inside someone’s butt Putting a dildo or other sex toy inside someone’s butt Putting a penis inside someone’s butt There […]
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types: HSV 1 (usually known as cold sores) and HSV 2 (usually known as genital herpes).
It’s really common! In fact, 1 in 8 Australian adults aged over 25 years have HSV 2, and 7 out of 10 people have HSV 1.
It’s important to know that both types of HSV may cause blisters and sores on the lips and mouth or genital and anal areas.
The surprising thing is that most people with HSV may not have any symptoms at all, ever. And the virus will cause them no physical harm. This means people honestly don’t know they’re carrying the herpes virus!
For people who experience genital herpes symptoms, it sometimes starts with a tingling, itching sensation on the skin. Some small blisters or red ulcers may appear on the skin around the genitals. These ulcers are usually painful. It’s very common for genital herpes symptoms to last up to 2 weeks and then go away.
Some people may get a severe first episode of genital herpes symptoms. They might also feel unwell with flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, fever and headache, and it can hurt to urinate (pee).
Depending on the type of HSV, symptoms may recur. The good news is that future recurrences (if any) are usually less severe. Everyone’s different as to how often (if ever) they might get a recurrence of genital herpes.
HSV 1 can be passed on through kissing and to someone’s genitals through oral sex. This is really common. HSV 2 is passed on when one person’s genital skin rubs against their partner’s genital skin during vaginal or anal sex.
It’s good to avoid skin-to-skin contact when symptoms are present, as this increases the risk of passing HSV on to others. Occasionally, herpes can be passed on at times when there aren’t any symptoms present. Practising safe sex by using condoms during oral, vaginal, and anal sex is the best way to reduce the risk of transmitting HSV.
Taking antiviral medication for herpes can treat the symptoms and help reduce the risk of passing it on.
The best thing to do is go and see a doctor who can take a swab from a blister or ulcer. The best time to get tested and confirm for herpes is early when you first have the symptoms.
Genital herpes gets a bad rap. The stigma behind herpes is often worse than the skin infection itself. Just remember that some extra precautions need to be taken and you can still enjoy a healthy and safe sex life.
If you want to know more, check out the common STI page or ring 1800 451 624 between 9.00am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday to talk with a sexual health nurse. It’s confidential and free if you call from a landline.
Making an appointment and visiting a medical centre or sexual health clinic can be overwhelming. Just like anyone else, young people under 18 years of age have the right to confidential health care. Young people are able to see a doctor, nurse, or other health workers confidentially without a parent present. They’re also able to […]
Taking the test… By getting tested for an STI you’re showing that you care about your health and wellbeing. It gives you a huge advantage and is the responsible thing to do. The good news is that most STIs can be easily treated so don’t stress. So you see the […]
