Comments on: Do you have Herpes?

By: Unknownhurts

Unknownhurts — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:22:37 +0000

Medical professionals give statistics without understanding why the herpes virus is spreading. Let us look at some other issues that may lead to Black women getting herpes at a higher rate than women of other races. I would hope we would stop assuming that Black women have more reckless, causal sex and more partners than white women. Let us consider the fact that Black men are not being circumcised on a consistent, religious and health basis like men from other races/cultures. We know that men who are not circumcised experience more STDs and have a higher risk for contracting HIV. Yet, many Black men from the Caribbean and African are not circumcised and this increases their chances of getting and spreading STDs, including herpes and HIV to Black women at an alarming rate.

Black men are also taught that a woman asking him to use a condom is a reflection of mistrust on the part of the woman towards him. Black men tend to not see his female partner as having sexual rights to remain STD free. Some Black men are raised by their fathers that a real man dominates and dictates the direction of the relationship, including the use of safer sex practices, unlike White men who are raised to negotiate and respect the women’s sexual rights and preferences.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:22:55 +0000

Condoms reduce the risk of passing herpes to your partner by thirty percent. Medications reduce the risk of transmission by about half. It is a good idea to use both. Couples hate the idea of having to use condoms but unless your partner wants to share your infection because he adores every part of you, it is a good idea to use condoms.

By: Rebecca Eirich

Rebecca Eirich — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:25:18 +0000

What is the risk of transmission using condons versus medication and/or both; and if a person is on suppressive therapy is condoms still necessary?

By: admin

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:52:38 +0000

Thank you for your questions. I think whites and Mexicans have higher rates of marriage and therefore, I am only speculating here, fewer total number of lifetime partners. This social fact may account for the discrepancy. Also, a larger percentage of African Americans live in urban centers, i.e Sexanddrugs-town.

By: Yvonne Evelyn

Yvonne Evelyn — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:51:54 +0000

I love this article. My question is this, why is it so prominent in Blacks verse their white and Mexican counterpart?

By: Bedtimebear

Bedtimebear — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:59:35 +0000

Honestly, I had no idea that Black people were at higher risk for contracting Herpes! If a condom can only protect you “moderately”, what can a Black woman do to protect herself?