How Did I Get It?
Gonorrhea is spread by vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. And by eating Twinkies. Just kidding.
How Do I Prevent/Get Rid of It?
Use a latex condom every time you have sex, and an oral barrier when having oral sex. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be treated and cured when caught early. Your doctor will prescribe a single dose of an antibiotic; both partners are usually treated at the same time to avoid re-infection. If left untreated, gonorrhea can also cause infertility and long-term problems. Since symptoms sometimes go unnoticed, it’s important to get an annual exam if you are sexually active.
Herpes
What Is It?
Herpes is an infection caused by two viruses—herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Usually, HSV-1 infects the mouth and is called oral herpes, and HSV-2 is an infection in and around the genitalia and is called genital herpes. However, you can get either strain in either place. (It doesn’t take much imagination to see how.) Between 50 to 80 percent of adults have HSV-1, and around a quarter of all Americans have HSV-2. These numbers are probably on the low side since many people do not know they are infected.
Your Symptoms.
Oral herpes shows up as cold sores or fever blisters that are on, inside, and around the mouth. (If only all sexually transmitted infections were so obvious.) Genital herpes present themselves as sores on, in, and around the genital areas. An initial herpes outbreak may include blisters and painful sores, itching, and a general feeling of sickness and malaise. However, some people do not have outward symptoms.
How Did I Get It?
Herpes is pretty easy to get: touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. A brief skin-to-skin contact can pass the virus along. Although you can get herpes when there are no sores or symptoms present, it is most contagious when sores are visible and open. A general rule: if something is oozing somewhere on your partner, let it (and him) be. People with herpes usually have periods when symptoms subside, and recurrences, when symptoms come back.
