Penelope James
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Penelope wrote for HealthCentral as a patient expert for Sexual Health.
Latest by Penelope James
10 Ways to Have a Healthy Sex Life
Here’s what you can do to ensure that you’re protecting your health in your sexual relationships.
Herpes and Telling Your Family
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 t...
Telling Your Partner, Gender and Acceptance
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 partner...
Shaving, Waxing and STDs
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.
Giving Herpes a Hand
Typically, herpes are passed though genitals or mouths, but can it also be passed from hand to hand?
Keep a Positive Attitude
If you’ve been diagnosed with herpes you’re likely thinking your love life is over—but it’s not. 7 reasons to stay positive!
Taking Responsibility for Your Sex Life
Last week I had a refreshing conversation about sex and responsibility with a former lover. I was telling him how my attitude has recently changed, and that I will only engage in sexual relations with someone who knows I have herpes. Believe it or no...
Genital Herpes Rumors
A simple mouth sore can start rumors about genital herpes—but let’s clear some things up before that rumor spreads.
Herpes and a Good Night's Sleep
As someone who frequently struggles with keeping herpes under control, I’m constantly looking for what triggers my outbreaks. I started to cut down on caffeine after an unusually painful situation involving a double cappuccino last year. (I have now ...
Herpes and Itchy Skin
Do you ever get the sensation of itching all over your body? I had it so bad last week that I could barely sleep.