There are many fears about STI’s (sexually transmitted diseases) that cause people to actually shy away from getting the real information. Wrong information which amounts to not much more than conjecture at best, or gossip at the worst is no help at all. For example, for many years people have believed that genital herpes transmission could take place by coming in contact with a toilet seat which an infected person has used. This is not true. It is impossible for the herpes virus, which causes herpes, to survive without the human body’s moisture and warmth. So, no need to fear the public toilet seat, at least where the herpes virus is concerned.

For genital herpes transmission to take place, there has to be sexual contact between a person who is infected with the HSV (herpes simplex virus.) That is why it is so important for people who are going to engage in sexual activity to use protection such as a condom.

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Herpes simplex virus is an infection that has been around for as far back as you can remember. This infection is defined by Encarta dictionary as a viral skins disease marked by cluster of small watery blisters. This disease is categorized into two such as type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). This disease can affect the mouth, lips or genital. A simplex virus on the mouth is known as oral or mouth herpes while a simplex virus on the genital is called genital herpes.

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Soon to be mothers with a history of herpes, are naturally concerned about protecting baby from genital herpes infection during pregnancy. The thought of passing the condition on to their baby or the infant having medical problems due to the virus can cause related stress and anxiety for mom.

Some women may not know that they have herpes as they have not yet developed any symptoms. It is important for both parents to get tested if there is even the slightest possibility of contracting the virus. This may or may not be a difficult discussion but it is in the best interest of the unborn child.

The reason why it is important to know beforehand is that many women are not aware that they have the virus. If there are no signs or symptoms, there is no reason to believe that there is a problem. When a woman gets pregnant, her immune system weakens.

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