Answer:
by Konstance McCaffree: (05/29/2004)
Thank you for an excellent question. I also want to congratulate you for getting a check up when you noticed something new.
You asked first if there are different ways that herpes expresses itself, and the answer is definitely YES. Herpes is caused by a virus, and like with all viruses different people have different symptoms.(The common cold is an example. When some people get a cold it lasts for weeks, with many severe symptoms of sneezing, sore throat, etc. and for others it is not present in three days.
Some people have only one herpes outbreak ever, for some it is very painful, for others there is no feeling whatsoever. If you should continue to have outbreaks, some of which could be more painful for irritating, there are medicines that you can buy to dry up the sores quickly. The cold sore inside your mouth could also be another expression of the virus. Instead of only having the bumps on the vulva, it is also in your mouth. This is very common with viruses, and herpes virus as well. That is why we know that a person with herpes can spread it through kissing or oral sex as well as in vaginal sex.
As far as having a baby - you certainly are able to get pregnant and carry a baby with herpes. Doctors have different responses to whether they would prefer that you have a Caesarian section instead of a vaginal delivery. The virus seems to be more likely to spread during the delivery than when the baby is in the uterus.
Before you plan on getting pregnant it is something you will want to discuss with your gynecologist. Let him/her know about the herpes and discuss all the possibilities. Many women with herpes have children so it is important to make sure your doctor is aware. You may also want to see a specialist because there may be ways suggested to you to lessen the likelihood of spread other than through delivery procedures.
Thanks again for writing. I am sorry I was so slow in answering. I was away on vacation.Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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