Few research suggests that the herpes virus, may cause fertility problems in men. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Nowadays, many couples have difficulties conceiving. It may involve both partners, and may be attributable to various reasons. Few of the main causes of male infertility includes abnormal sperm production or function, problems with the delivery of sperm, overexposure to certain chemicals and toxins and damage related to cancer and its treatment, whereas causes of female infertility include ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, thyroid problems, cancer and its treatment and more [1].

Well, apparently those aren’t the only reasons for infertility.

Few research suggests that the herpes virus, especially (HSV-2), which normally causes genital herpes, may cause fertility problems in men.

These studies stated that infertility may be caused either by directly invading the male genital tract cells, or by indirectly causing local inflammatory or immunological response that could worsen reproductive functions [2-3].

The bottom line is that HSV may make it harder for a couple to conceive.

So here is some advice for women with herpes: try to conceive during your ovulating period and only when you aren’t having an outbreak, that is, when symptoms are not evident. And anyway, if you and your partner are witnessing difficulties to conceive, it is important you consult your doctor.
References:
1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/causes/con-20034770
2. Seyed Hamidreza Monavari,a, Mostafa Salehi Vaziri,b Mohammadali Khalili,c Mahmoud Shamsi-Shahrabadi,b Hossein Keyvani,b Hamidreza Mollaei,b and Mehdi Fazlalipourb “Asymptomatic seminal infection of herpes simplex virus: impact on male infertility.” The Journal of Biomedical Research. Published Online in 2012.
3. el Borai N1, Inoue M, Lefèvre C, Naumova EN, Sato B, Yamamura M. “Detection of herpes simplex DNA in semen and menstrual blood of individuals attending an infertility clinic.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. Published in February 1997.

The majority of people who test positive for HSV-2 have never been officially diagnosed with genital herpes, so in a matter of fact, most infected people don’t even know they carry the virus. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Health, is freedom.
Always.
Not the amount of money you have in the bank, not which car you own and not how big and well designed your house is.
Only health.

Health is a value that allows you to enjoy all your goals and things you achieved in life.
Remember that.

Did you know, that other people may be harming your freedom without knowing it? So actually, YOU are the one harming your health without knowing it! Sounds pretty crazy huhhh?
Turns out that, according to a new study, up to 400 million people may transmit the genital herpes virus (HSV-2) to their sex partners [1].

The majority of people who test positive for HSV-2 have never been officially diagnosed with genital herpes (HSV-2), so in a matter of fact, most infected people don’t even know they carry the virus [2].

Taking responsibility of your health is nothing to be ashamed about, thus asking your new partner to be tested for herpes prior to sexual intercourse is very much important! Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

As noted before, there are millions of HSV infected individuals who don’t know they are infected, so actually, uninfected individuals may be unaware of having sex with an infected person.
There was hope that herpes transmission would be prevented with the discovery of drugs that prevent herpes outbreaks, however, according to different evidence, this may not be true [3].

So even if a person is aware of being infected with genital herpes (HSV-2),and is taking anti-herpes drugs that prevent herpes outbreaks, he or she can still infect their sex partners.

The problem is that people are busy worrying about HIV infection, while the likelihood of someone to become infected with HIV is far lower than herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).
Taking responsibility of your health is nothing to be ashamed about, thus asking your new partner to be tested for herpes prior to sexual intercourse is very much important!

References:
1. Katharine J. Looker ,Amalia S. Magaret, Katherine M. E. Turner, Peter Vickerman, Sami L. Gottlieb, Lori M. Newman. “Global Estimates of Prevalent and Incident Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infections in 2012.” Published: January 21, 2015DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114989
2. Melnick, M. “How Many Patients Spread Herpes, But Don’t Even Know They Have It?” Time.com – Published April 12, 2011.
3. DeNoon, D. “Got Genital Herpes? You’re Still Infectious, Even if Drugs Cut Symptoms.” WebMD.com – Published January 5, 2012.

According to a new study, reactivation of the herpes virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is known to cause several different types of brain and brain’s fluid inflammations, such as meningitis (inflammation of the layers lining the brain) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself, which is much more serious). Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Many studies are conducted on the Herpes virus on an every day basis, and as a result, new facts are discovered. But before we begin, what is the herpes virus infection all about??
Herpes virus 1 and 2, are viruses that infect humans [2]. Herpes-1 is that virus which causes those annoying cold sores and watery blisters on the skin, mainly near the mouth, whereas herpes-2 is that virus which causes genital sores and blisters- both of which can be a total bummer [2,3].

So, first thing’s first- lets say you caught herpes: what’s next? Besides the initial symptoms, the virus knows how to travel to your nerve cells, and transfer to a latent state, which is basically similer to falling asleep in your nerves. And, not only it goes to sleep, but it can hide from your immune system!

And finally, beware- if you are by any chance stressed prior to an exam or decided to go sunbathing or tanning at the beach, you may wake that darn devil up, and as a result he will travel back to your skin and you will get more cold sores on your mouth or blisters on your genitals, depends on which type of virus you have [2].

What’s interesting about herpes viruses is that many people are infected with HSV without even knowing. Moreover, infected people can transmit the virus without having symptoms, and as a result spread the infection to people unknowingly.
Many people who are in a relationship for many years, and have never experienced herpes outbreak’s, may link a partners sudden herpes outbreak to cheating.

However, the timing of transmission is usually unknown, so genital herpes infection may appear even after many years in a monogamous relationship.

However, the timing of transmission is usually unknown, so genital herpes infection may appear even after many years in a monogamous relationship.

Many people who are in a relationship for many years, and have never experienced herpes outbreak’s, may link a partners sudden herpes outbreak to cheating. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

According to a new study, reactivation of the herpes virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is known to cause several different types of brain and brain’s fluid inflammations, such as meningitis (inflammation of the layers lining the brain) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself, which is much more serious).

And it doesn’t end there. According to a new study, reactivation of the herpes virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is known to cause several different types of brain and brain’s fluid inflammations, such as meningitis (inflammation of the layers lining the brain) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself, which is much more serious). To be more specific, HSV encephalitis is mainly caused by HSV-1, whereas meningitis is more often caused by HSV-2. And as a result, powerful seizures may occur [3-4].
The amount of health problem caused by herpes virus infection amazes me each time. To me, knowledge is power. Therefore, read, learn, and don’t leave your health in another persons hands. Take responsibility for your health.

 
References:
1. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.”Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.
2. 2. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏
3. Neil W. Andersona, William Sistrunkb and Matthew J. Binnickera “Simultaneous Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Seizures and Encephalitis.” Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Published in January 2015.
4. Meningitis.org – Viral Meningitis

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Wouldn’t it be amazing if it were possible to prevent sexually transmitted diseases? Imagine not needing to do the “talk” before getting involved in a sexual relationship.
So far, avoiding sexually transmitted disease is mainly by using a condom. Moreover, asking your partner to conduct and STD test before sexual encounter, is very much important too!

Preventing herpes isn’t an easy task due to the fact that sometimes, an infected person may be shedding the virus even without having outbreaks.

Preventing herpes isn’t an easy task due to the fact that sometimes, an infected person may be shedding the virus even without having outbreaks.

Aside from preventing STD’s, it is not always the right time to fall pregnant, and as a result, women prefer to use contraceptives. There are different ways to prevent pregnancy for example, birth control pills, diaphragm, condoms, spermicide and vaginal ring use.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control.

So, a few smart scientists came up with the idea of creating a vaginal ring, which is used to prevent herpes infection, and is also used as a means of birth control.

This new multipurpose ring contain a combination substances known as MZC. Previous research found that an MZC gel lowered the risk of catching herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) [1].
The experiment was conducted on monkeys. In the study, the MZC plus hormonal contraceptive levonorgestrel rings reduced the likelihood of becoming infected with HSV-2 by about 30 percent. As for the monkeys that did acquire genital herpes, the ring lowered the rate of viral shedding (i.e, the rate at which the virus may pass on to a different monkey) [1].

However, this is not the first multipurpose vaginal ring to be researched for use against the herpes virus. Collaborative research from the University of Utah and the reproductive health research organization CONRAD showed that a vaginal ring using the topical microbicide tenofovir could help prevent HSV-2 transmission for up to 90 days [3].

Until this vaginal ring is FDA approved, we must continue acting responsible as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of viruses. Image by: freedigitalphotos.net

The following research results shows promise in development of multipurpose vaginal rings.

However, it is important to remember that the former new multipurpose ring has not been tested on humans, and developing an effective product with FDA approved drugs takes time.
Until this vaginal ring is FDA approved, we must continue acting responsible as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of viruses.

References:
1. Aidsmeds.com – “Vaginal Ring May Protect Against HIV, Herpes, HPV and Pregnancy.” Published on November 13, 2014.
2. healthline.com – Haskins, J. “First Intravaginal Ring to Protect Against Pregnancy, HIV, and Herpes.” Published on November 12, 2013.

According to the study, anger, which depresses the immune system causes the body to be more exposed to viruses. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Sociologist Peggy Thoits, described emotions as “involving physiological components, cultural or emotional labels (e.g., anger, surprise etc.), expressive body actions, and the evaluation of situations and contexts” [1]. Emotions are often associated with ones mood, temperament, personality and motivation [2].

An interesting fact, which I’m sure most of you are aware of, is that emotions are also influenced by hormones and neurotransmitters, for instance, dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, oxytocin, cortisol etc. Therefore, non of us will be surprised of the alternative definition of emotion, “ a positive or negative experience that is associated with a particular pattern of physiological activity” [3].

So, I’m sure it’s a bummer being sad or angry.

And other than the lousy felling we have while experiencing those kinds of emotions, they have a huge impact on our physiological status a health.

And let me tell you one thing, you can be sure it is not a positive impact.

Anger causes many physiological problems, such as increasing blood pressure, threat of a stroke, heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, and, in general, depresses the immune system.

And it doesn’t end there, in order to find relief, angry people use other health endangering habits such as smoking or drinking, or via compulsive behavior habits such as workaholism and perfectionism [6].

According to a recent study, anger, anxiety, happiness, and relaxation have either a positive or negative impact on a patient’s health depending on the type of emotion and its duration [4]. Moreover, an additional study showed that “anger is bad for your health” [5].

According to a recent study, anger, anxiety, happiness, and relaxation have either a positive or negative impact on a patient’s health depending on the type of emotion and its duration [4].

Moreover, an additional study showed that “anger is bad for your health” [5].

According to the study, anger, which depresses the immune system causes the body to be more exposed to viruses.

What was interesting to see in the study is how IgA decreased as a result of stress and anger, causing us to be more vulnerable to respiratory problem such as colds or flu, while on the other hand increased as a result to feelings such as care and compassion [7].

Lets use the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) as an example.

When a person is angry, he is creating a right environment for latent viruses due to suppressed immune system, which may cause EBV to reactivate [8], and when the virus is reactivated in replicates and can cause many different symptoms.

we need to focus on moderating these feelings, taking whatever caused them in perspective, in order to avoid unpleasant health problems in the future. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.com

As Alberts Schweitzer once said, “Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.”

Anger, sadness and stress are common feelings which we experience on an everyday basis.

They cannot be ignored, and are an important component of our lives. However, we need to focus on moderating these feelings, taking whatever caused them in perspective, in order to avoid unpleasant health problems in the future.

References:
1. Thoits, P. A. (1989). The sociology of emotions. Annual Review of Sociology, 15, 317-342.
2. “Theories of Emotion”. Psychology.about.com. 2013-09-13. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
3. Schacter, Daniel L. (2011).Psychology Second Edition. 41 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010: Worth Publishers. p. 310.
4. Brod S1, Rattazzi L, Piras G, D’Acquisto F. “As above, so below” Examining the interplay between emotion and the Immune System. Immunology. 2014 Jun 18.
5. Why anger is bad for you. Published on March 14, 2014.
theaustralian.com.au/news/world/why-anger-is-bad-for-you/story-fnb64oi6-1226854026035#
6. CompassionPower – Anger and Health.compassionpower.com/AngerandHealth.php
7. Anger suppresses your immune system. Published April 14, 2011. aetiology.co.nz/14/anger-suppresses-your-immune-system/
8. Microbiology and Immunology On-Line – University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Virology – Chapter Eleven – Herpes Viruses. Last updated May 24, 2011.

You may also catch herpes from a sex partner who does not have any visible sores and even from someone who doesn’t know if he or she is infected. Image by: www.freedigitalphotos.net

The CDC notes that “Genital herpes is common in the United States. About one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes”.

Herpes is a virus that causes oral cold sores, as well as genital blisters.

Fluids found in a herpes sore carry the virus, therefore contact with those fluids can cause infection, so you can catch herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease [3].

Another interesting fact about the herpes virus is that it has the ability to cause a “latent infection”, which means he remains in the body and hides from the immune system for years, without causing any symptoms, only to erupt later without warning [4,5].

Interestingly, you may also catch herpes from a sex partner who does not have any visible sores and even from someone who doesn’t know if he or she is infected because the virus can be released through their skin and spread the infection regardless of symptoms

Interestingly, you may also catch herpes from a sex partner who does not have any visible sores and even from someone who doesn’t know if he or she is infected because the virus can be released through their skin and spread the infection regardless of symptoms.

Broad knowledge helps us understand disease significance, ways of transmission, as well as methods to prevent the spread of the disease . Image by: www.freedigitalphotos.net

Transmitting the virus is more common when genital blisters or ulcers are present, however, transmission during the period with no symptoms is common as well [1-3].

Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases is very much important, however, awareness alone is not enough for prevention.

Broad knowledge helps us understand disease significance, ways of transmission, as well as methods to prevent the spread of the disease . Therefore, we must show responsibility and expand our knowledge of STD’s.

References:
1. Garland SM1, Steben M2. Genital herpes. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014 Aug 4. pii: S1521-6934(14)00139-4.
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Frequently Asked Questions About Herpes – What if I Don’t Have Lesions?

3. WebMD.com – Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes – December 24, 2013. webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/common-symptoms

4. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.”Sexually transmitted infections” 80.3 (2004): 185-191.

5. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏