Genital Herpes Expert Penelope James shares Genital Herpes management news and commentary at HerpesConnection.com. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559 http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559 http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/99609/healthy-sex Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:51:00 -0500 Penelope James If your 2009 was anything like mine, you’re probably feeling like you’re stumbling, rather than gliding, into a new year.  While passing through a transition phase, I like to reflect on where I’ve been and set goals for where I’m going.  Maintaining good health will always be a goal of mine.  Though I’ve stuck pretty closely to my resolutions from last year, I think it’s good to have a little... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/99609/healthy-sex http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/98228/outbreaks Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:53:00 -0500 Penelope James In the final month of the year, I always find it helpful to not just think about the goals or resolutions I have for the following year, but to write them down.  This way I have them documented in case I forget, and can look back on them next year to check my progress.  I have already taken some notes on goals for my professional and personal lives, but have waited to use this website as a forum for the goals in my sex/romantic... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/98228/outbreaks http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/95270/telling Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:57:00 -0500 Penelope James As we all know, talking about having herpes is often harder than actually living with the virus. One of the most common questions that come up on this site is how to effectively tell one’s partners that he/she has herpes. However, we rarely discuss the issue of telling one’s family, which, for some, can be just as stressful.   How (or whether) to tell your family about herpes really depends on each family and your... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/95270/telling http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/75128/acceptance Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:56:00 -0400 Penelope James Maybe I’m picky or maybe I’m hard to be in a relationship with, but for whatever reason lately I seem to change partners about as often as I change my Facebook status.  Due to the moderately high turnover, and my resolution to always inform my partners about having herpes before any sexual contact, I’ve been able to really develop the art of telling a partner.  One thing I’ve noticed is that it gets easier... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/75128/acceptance http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/69243/shaving Fri, 01 May 2009 02:56:00 -0400 Penelope James I’ve recently discovered a huge obsession with pubic hair in today’s world, or at least in the metropolitan city in which I live.   The last three guys I dated all enjoyed meticulously grooming their bushes, and slyly pressured me to do the same.  Now, you might assume that I’m simply attracted to guys who are well dressed and clean-shaven.  Though I would gladly welcome a guy that fits that description,... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/69243/shaving http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/66894/awareness Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:48:44 -0400 Penelope James Did you know that April is National STD Awareness Month?  That’s right, this is the time to discuss and develop healthy sexual habits that we can put into practice for the rest of the year (or, rather, for the rest of your life).  Have a burning question about an STD?  Been putting off a visit to the doctor?  This is your month to make time for sexual health.  In order to best take advantage of this annual... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/66894/awareness http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/65166/stds Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:16:47 -0400 Penelope James In recent news, researchers from Uganda and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found an interesting correlation between circumcision and STDs.  After previously discovering that the rate of HIV infection dramatically decreased for the almost 2,000 Ugandan men – from a random group of 4,000 – who underwent circumcision for the study, the same researchers decided to evaluate their samples in regards to three other STDs:... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/65166/stds http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/64279/giving-hand Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:00:57 -0400 Penelope James One issue that seems fuzzy to a lot of us who have herpes is whether it can be transmitted to or by hands.  It’s an important question, since the hand is one part of the body that never gets protected during safe sex.  (Hand condoms?  For some reason I just don’t think it would catch on.)  Not to mention that someone with herpes will inevitably touch oneself on or near the infected area and should know the risks... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/64279/giving-hand http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/63258/attitude Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:57:21 -0400 Penelope James If you’ve just been diagnosed with herpes, you may be worrying that your life (or at least your love life) is over – I know I thought so when I first learned of my condition.  But I, and countless others, can attest that it is still possible to lead a normal life with herpes.  In fact, it may even be possible to see some positive consequences of contracting herpes.  (I know, sounds crazy, right?  But it can be... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/63258/attitude http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/62697/hsv-hpv-wtf Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:33:28 -0400 Penelope James Though some people visit this site to find comfort and support in the community, others seek it out after an unexpected (or unprotected) sexual encounter.  Left with more questions than answers, these people have a burning desire (pun intended) to find out what their post-sex condition could mean.  I see many people describe their symptoms on this site and ask what kind of disease they might have.  My initial response is:... http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/c/18559/62697/hsv-hpv-wtf