Everything you ever wanted to know about herpes, but were afraid to ask
There are two different types of herpes that affect the mouth and the lips (cold sores), the penis, the vagina, and the anus (genital herpes).
Herpes creates lesions, small ulcers or sensitive wounds that are painful to the touch.
The herpes virus is sexually transmitted through direct contact with a lesion through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. For example, during oral sex, a cold sore on the mouth can transmit the herpes virus to the penis.
The reverse is also true: herpes on the penis can transmit to the lips of a person who is giving fellatio. Herpes can also be transmitted if your fingers or hands have been in touch with a lesion and they then touch your partner’s genitals, anus, or mouth.
Even if there are no lesions, the risk still exists, because the herpes virus remains in the body for life. There are medications to reduce the intensity and time duration of symptoms of herpes, but they do not eliminate the virus in the body.
It is essential to see a doctor if you have any of the herpes symptoms mentioned above.