This book contains proven steps and strategies on how to feel confident in discussing herpes and enjoy your love life in the context of sexual relationships. Genital herpes as a diagnosis is not a death sentence, but managing and coping with herpes will be an ongoing part of your life. Herpes is no small matter. One in five adults is estimated to have genital herpes, according to the American Social Health Association, and 80% are not aware they contracted the disease. If you have been recently diagnosed or if you are just curious, start researching now. The more information you know about a subject, the less frightening it is. Use coping strategies for a happier life.

Genital herpes or Herpes Simplex-2 is a member of a family of diseases and illnesses that include chicken pox, shingles, and mononucleosis. The cold sores that people find around the mouth and nose are from Herpes Simplex-1, the cousin of genital herpes. The two diseases are similar, yet very different. A highly contagious viral infection, herpes is not dangerous or life threatening, but causes emotional trauma and is an ongoing nuisance. Herpes is transmitted from person to person through intimate contact, oral, genital, or anal. Kissing, sharing towels, or touching infected areas and then touching your own body can also pass on the infection. Women with genital herpes may have breakouts deep in the vagina where the open sores cannot be seen or felt. Someone with herpes may have breakouts deep in the vagina where herpes is at their most contagious when the sores are visible, however an infected person may be contagious at any time. A person without infection has a 75% chance of contracting herpes during intimate contact with someone who harbors the infection.