Worried that I might have herpes

Dear Pastor,

I am 21 years old and I have a concern. I have a boyfriend. I believe that I have caught herpes.

A nurse friend of mine told me that one of the symptoms of herpes is a burning sensation during urination. Sometimes I experience exactly that, and I also experience fever. Another friend told me that if it is herpes, it cannot be cured. There are two forms of herpes, and one is associated with cold sores and fever blisters. I don't know what to believe, and I am so worried.

What do you suggest I do?

G.J.

Dear G.J.,

I suggest that you go and see your doctor without delay. From my own studies, I have come to understand that the most common symptoms are sores that appear on the vagina, the penis, mouth, anus or other parts of the body.

According to what I have read, " The rash can cause pain, itching, burning sensations, swollen glands, fever and headaches." Sometimes they may also appear while a person may be under stress or having her menstrual periods.

One should not ignore the symptoms of herpes, because herpes may cause miscarriage or stillbirth, and this terrible disease can be passed on to newborns. If you suspect that you have herpes, you should insist that your partner wears a condom whenever both of you are having sex.

Dr Ruth K. Westheimer has warned that although "you should always use a condom, you should know that condoms can't entirely protect you from herpes. If the man has the disease, and the sores are only on his penis, then a condom can protect the woman. However, because vaginal secretions may leak over, the pelvis area is not protected by the condom, the condom does not protect men as much".

She also said, "Herpes can spread beyond the genital contact, including to other parts of the already-infected person's body. If you touch a herpes sore, always wash your hands thoroughly before touching anyone else or any other part of your body."

I repeat, please go and see your doctor, because oral herpes can be transmitted by kissing or sharing towels, or even drinking from the same glass or cup.

Pastor