Burning desire

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes, HSV-type 1 which commonly causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes, also known as cold sores), and HSV-type 2 which typically affects the genital area (genital herpes). Both types can cause either genital or oral infections. Most of the time, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are inactive, or 'silent' with no symptoms, but some infected people have sporadic 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers. Once a person has contracted HSV, it remains with them for life.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are transmitted through direct contact, including kissing, sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal sex), or skin-to-skin contact with an infected area.

Genital herpes can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores or other symptoms. It is often passed on by people who are unaware that they are infected, or by people who don't realise their infection can be transmitted even when they have no symptoms.

The consistent and correct use of latex condoms is the best protection from herpes. However, condoms do not provide complete protection, because a herpes lesion may not be completely covered by a condom and the infection may spread. If you or your partner has genital herpes, it is best to abstain from sex when symptoms are present, and to use latex condoms between outbreaks.

How do you know that you have it?

•  Itching or tingling sensations

•  Painful blisters filled with fluid in the genital and/or rectal area

•  Mild fever

•  Lumps in the groin area

•  Painful urination

•  Difficulty urinating

•  Urgent or frequent urination

•  Painful sexual intercourse

•  Incontinence

•  Genital sores

Will it affect my chances of having children?

No, but if you have an outbreak at the time of birth, you doctor will advise you to have a Caesarian.

HIV/AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Individuals diagnosed with AIDS have a severely weakened immune system and are susceptible to life-threatening diseases and infections. AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. New treatments have greatly improved the survival rates of people with AIDS.

How do you know that you have it?

The only way to determine for sure whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms for many years.

The following may be warning signs of an HIV infection, but do not guarantee that you are infected:

•  Rapid weight loss

•  Dry cough

•  Recurring fever or profuse night sweats

•  Profound and unexplained fatigue

•  Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck

•  Diarrhoea that lasts for more than a week

•  White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth or in the throat

•  Pneumonia

•  Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids

•  Memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders

Don't assume you are infected if you have any of the above symptoms, as each of these can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested specifically for HIV.

Will it affect my chances of having children?

HIV can be passed from mother to child, a factor to consider when planning a pregnancy.