I've had Herpes for nearly thirty years. It affects different people in different ways both physically and emotionally. I suffered physically for the first two years with severe outbreaks and being a shy introvert, I thought my life as I wanted it to be would never happen. Looking back, it helped me a lot to face up to things. Now I have an outbreak maybe every 5-6 years if I let my health deteriorate and usually just let an outbreak run its course without medication. They are no longer severe and just an annoyance. Herpes is not something you want but if you have it it’s really not that bad. By far the worst thing about Herpes is other people’s attitudes. HSV1 is usually associated with cold sores and HSV2 with genital herpes. HSV1 prefers to live in the nerve roots in the neck and HSV2 in the nerve roots in the lower spine where they lie dormant until for whatever reason they decide to wake up. Then the virus travels to the skin surface and causes blisters or lesions. At this stage the virus is very contagious. They can infect either area and due to oral sex often do cross over. HSV1 is generally a less severe infection than HSV2. Herpes is a virus and as such it cannot be cured but can be managed. The virus is passed through skin contact while the infected person is shedding live herpes cells. It enters the body through nerves near the skin in areas of high nerve concentration hence the outbreaks around lips and genitals. The virus cells are surrounded by an oily layer which acts as protection. This is easily broken down with soap and water. From the AMA in the US, it appears that infection rates for HSV1 run at about 80% of the population and HSV2 at 20-25%. Of these approx 80% will never show any symptoms or have an outbreak, they can however still pass on the infection although it's unlikely. At one time it was thought that the virus could only be passed on during an outbreak. This has been proved wrong although, like the previously mentioned group, it is unlikely. I contracted it through unprotected sex with someone I trusted who assured me they were clear of STDs. When I make my first contact with an escort, I mention I have herpes. I wasn't given the option to choose to take a risk or not but I don't believe it's right to deny someone else the chance to make their own decision. So far, every lady has thanked me for my honesty, One said no (politely, and I bear her no malice) One said no to full service but would allow massage with hand relief and by far the majority have been agreeable to seeing me. Some have asked for further information which I've been happy to provide. These bookings have gone well as it seems a level of trust has been built from the start. I believe that if I'm going to tell people I have herpes I must be prepared for refusals. The fact that I pay an escort does not remove her right to have make her own decision. Since I suffered badly in those first years, I have access to suppressive (antiviral) medication. I don't use it as a rule unless I plan to make a booking. Then I'll start taking high doses 7-10 days before the date, I probably don’t need this but I see it as an extra level of protection. I'm lucky(?) in that the area where my outbreaks occur is well and truly covered by a condom. It may sound funny but I'm not comfortable receiving unprotected oral sex unless I'm absolutely sure that the lady concerned is well aware of the risks. I have not passed an infection to anyone else even through years of unprotected sex (with informed partners) and it is my intention to keep it that way.
Think about this, of the people you know, 80% probably have HSV1 and 25% have HSV2. 80 % of these people will never have an outbreak or even know they carry the virus.
They do fail though even being careful, has happened multiple times to me.
