This topic has come up a few times so I thought it would be nice to discuss.

Herpes Simplex 1 is usually on the mouth (cold sores).  If DATY is performed or even a CBJ from someone with Herpes Simplex 1, this CAN be transmitted to your genitals.

It's best to refrain from sexual contact when an outbreak occurs.  Most of the population is infected with herpes simplex 1 by the age of 20.  Most adults have very few attacks and it's usually brought on by stress of one sort or another.

Herpes simplex 2 is usually of the genitals, but can be transmitted to the mouth.  

Both can be transmitted to just about any part of your body.

I've included a link to a web page detailing this.  We all take risks when coming in contact with others.  It's to the utmost importance that we all try to be diligent and honest when we might pose a health risk to others.

Its wierd that you should mention that. I am not sure what crosses the line in terms of going public with certain information, but someone was inquired about a provider a few days ago. No one knew much about her so I decided to sample her services. I met with this provider and once we got the finance issues out of the way, she undressed and I asked a SIMPLE QUESTION about what appeared to be a sore of some sort in an area that would raise a concern with anyone. I know I'm not a doctor, but I also know that I have common sense and a wife at home so being safe and careful was a top priority. I know the hobbiests that are marrried understand where I am coming from there. The next thing I know I'm getting screamed at and out the door she went, right along with my $$$. I'm fairly new to this, so is this the kind of info that should be displayed on this board or what??? I would have been glad to forewarn others but I am not sure so I'd be happy to send that info via e-mail at [email protected]

Another disease to watch out for is HPV or Genital Warts.  This is (I believe) the 2nd fastest growing sexually transmitted disease in the USA. It is insidious because:

1. It has long-term consequences of causing Cervical and other cancers.

2. It is sometimes not noticalbe.

3. The virus stays in the system and is transmittable even after the surface indications are removed.

4. It can be spread to any moist region: the mouth/throat, rear/front.

5. It is sometimes extremely difficult to remove.

6. There are many strains of the virus. You can catch different strains.

7. Condoms and other protective means don't always ensure that transmission won't occur, because the virus can spread through the touching of adjacent/non protected areas.



I have met several women who have had this disease, and know a few guys who had run ins.

Look for scars.  If you see scars on the genitals it's best to run the other direction.

We would hope that being in this day of age everyone would take responsibilty for their health as well as not posing a threat to others.  I for one get tested once a month and thank god I have never had anything.  But the risks are high.  It is said one in four has herpes.........yikes.  Also stds are running so rampant in the Highschools right now that they are sending home letters to the parents to take their kids to get treated so that it can get under control.  Bottom line is take responsiblity for yourselve's and always take pro-active measures.

I dont believe that herpes causes scars, but I do  know many women who have scars and bringing it up it conversation can cause flash backs or ruin the mood for these ladies.
My favorite local dancer had an opperation last year because she had a deformed part of her vagina and scarring because of a  sexual trama in her early teen years.  Because too man guys asked her about it she decided to have an opperation.  Although  the defromation is gone there is even more scarring than before but they are starting to fade.
Also I have a lady friend who was slashed over and over around her genitals from an abusive boyfriend because he wanted men to look at her in discust.  In my experience scars usually were something that was easier left alone and were not because of herpes.

Several months ago I sat in on about half of a panel discussion in DC on the massive spread of HSV & HPV.  From what I can remember:

- There is a vaccine for women who are seronegative for both HSV1 & HSV2 that has apparently done well in trials.  I believe if you are positive for either the vaccine either has no effect or has negative effects.  There are about 1 million new cases reported per year.  Incidents of mis-diagnosis are suspected to be somewhat high (eg, doc says not even when you're infected).  Most accurate test appeared to be Western Blot (sp?).

- HPV (warts) is spreading 5 times faster than HSV, particularly in high-school aged kids.  There are vaccines for females currently in testing for types 16 & 18 (of something like 40 strains).  These are apparently the very predominant types and the ones most likely to cause cancer.  My understanding from what was said is that this is the most common cause of cervical cancer, but at this time only causes the cancer in less than about 5% of the infected individuals (not sure what timeline issues were involved though).

I'm pulling this from memory and it may not be extremely accurate, but I believe it's fairly close.  I'll try to find my notes and post better info as soon as I have time.

- JTH