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What Are the Risks of Genital Herpes in Men?
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Genital herpes is a chronic virus that can cause recurring bouts of rashes and blisters on the sexual organs. The risks of genital herpes in men generally relate to sexual behavior, although some men can contract the disease through other means. Understanding the risks of genital herpes in men can help both men and women take precautions to prevent infection or get treatment if symptoms occur. Prevention is important, since genital herpes is an incurable condition that will require careful management if contracted.
The most common risks of genital herpes in men include unprotected sexual activity. Having sexual intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex without a barrier contraceptive can greatly increase the risk of catching or passing the disease. Health experts typically suggest the use of condoms as a good means of reducing the risk from vaginal or anal intercourse, but these cannot eliminate the risk entirely. Men can also contract the disease from giving or receiving unprotected oral sex to an infected male or female partner, which can also carry a somewhat reduced risk if barrier contraceptives are used. Oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, will not reduce the risk of contracting or passing genital herpes.
A second major factor that can raise the risks of genital herpes in men is promiscuous sexual behavior. People who have multiple partners over a short period of time may not be aware that they have herpes, which makes them more likely to engage in unprotected sexual activity, thus becoming a conduit for the infection. Moreover, those who engage in casual sex may be less likely to ask questions about sexual history, thus may not be aware that they are exposing themselves to the infection. One of the best ways to reduce the chances of contracting genital herpes is to refrain from sexual activity unless both partners are monogamous and have been tested for the disease.
According to scientific research, some additional factors can also raise the risks of genital herpes in men. Young men are generally more likely to contract the disease than older men, and those in lower socioeconomic classes may also have higher risks in some regions. Those who are uneducated about the disease and methods of prevention may also have somewhat higher risks, since they may not be able to recognize symptoms or know about precautions. Men who have autoimmune diseases can have higher risks, since their system may be less able to fight off the disease if encountered. Finally, male babies can contract the disease during the birth process if the mother has genital herpes.
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.
Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.
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![Herpes can be spread through oral sex.]()
By: Imagery MajesticHerpes can be spread through oral sex. -
![Oral contraceptives do no decrease the risk of spreading herpes.]()
By: Kimberly ReinickOral contraceptives do no decrease the risk of spreading herpes. -
![Condoms are not always effective in preventing the spread of herpes.]()
By: yaskiiCondoms are not always effective in preventing the spread of herpes. -
![Those who have sex with multiple people over a short time period may be more likely to spread genital herpes.]()
By: Alex ShadrinThose who have sex with multiple people over a short time period may be more likely to spread genital herpes. -
![Individuals with genital herpes are able to donate blood as long as they are feeling well.]()
By: Gina SandersIndividuals with genital herpes are able to donate blood as long as they are feeling well. -
![The risk of genital herpes in men is directly related to sexual behavior.]()
By: Artem FurmanThe risk of genital herpes in men is directly related to sexual behavior.
Discussion Comments
@Scrbblchick -- As old-fashioned and repressed as this sounds, you know, when bed hopping was considered highly unacceptable, socially or morally, the STD rate was much lower. The herpes rate skyrocketed in the mid-70s, not surprisingly.
So many men also don't tell their partners that they're positive for herpes, and their partner doesn't know, and the partner is the one who suffers. There are so many possible risks and complications that can come from this kind of sexual behavior. It's really sad how many people suffer because they have a partner who isn't honest with them.
I remember hearing about safe sex practices in high school. Of course, then, we called it "VD" for venereal disease, rather than STD.
Still, it's unreal that the incidence of herpes across the board, but especially in men, keeps going up. People know what causes it, and how to reduce their risk for contracting it, but the incidence keeps going up. I guess it's because of the corresponding rise in the numbers of people who have multiple sexual partners.
I guess people keep thinking it won't happen to them. I know a couple who had a child who was infected at birth because the male infected his partner and she didn't know. People need to be more responsible.
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