Month: July 2022

The Different Types of Herpes Treatment Options, Explained

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herpes treatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are around 560,000 new cases of herpes each year.

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the virus HSV-1 or HSV-2. While this condition can sometimes be mild, it can often be painful and make everyday life difficult. It is a condition that can be managed, but will never truly be cured.

However, there are herpes treatment options to look into if you have herpes. Keep reading to learn more about them.

Home Remedies

One option as a treatment for herpes is by going about a home remedy.

You can use a cold compress and put it on the affected area for about 10 minutes several times a day. This can reduce swelling or help with the pain from blistering if you are suffering from that.

Be sure to also keep the area as clean as possible by washing with gentle soap and water a few times per day. Do not touch the area either.

One other way to reduce your pain during an outbreak is to reduce your stress. Stress can actually make the pain worse, so finding ways to relax like doing yoga, meditating, and journaling can help.

Herpes Medications

There is also medication for herpes. These antiviral medications can help treat the symptoms associated with herpes while you are having an outbreak or prevent you from getting one.

Topical Creams

One option for treating the pain associated with a herpes outbreak is by rubbing a topical cream on the affected areas. Before you do, make sure to wash your hands well with soap so you do not spread further infection or make the outbreak worse.

Docosanol and Penciclovir are two types of cream that can help during an outbreak.

Antiviral Tablets for Outbreaks

Some people only take medication when they are dealing with an outbreak. This is called intermittent therapy.

A doctor will prescribe a medication for you to take if you experience an outbreak. The pills last for two to five days, and you should start taking them as soon as you notice the first symptoms of an outbreak.

Famciclovir and Valacyclovir are two medications to use during an outbreak.

Suppressive Treatment

Another option for herpes treatment is suppressive treatment. If you have outbreaks often, a doctor may prescribe you a medication that you take every single day – even if you are not in the midst of an outbreak.

This can significantly reduce the amount of times per year that you have a herpes outbreak.

Acyclovir is one example of a medication you can take for suppressive treatment. However, your doctor will prescribe whichever medication they believe is best for you.

Herpes Treatment Options

If you get herpes, it may feel like your life is over, especially your sexual life.

But it doesn’t need to be that way. There are many herpes treatment options that can help you manage your outbreaks to keep your life in your control.

If you believe medication could help you, book an appointment online so we can talk through treatment options! 

PrEP for HIV: Does It Really Work?

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PrEP for HIV

A 2020 study found that more than 37 million people in the world had HIV at that time. That’s a staggering number and one that we need to reduce.

HIV is known for the health problems it can cause, especially when left untreated. Therefore, it’s important to take action to ensure you never get it in the first place.

Want to reduce your risk of HIV? PrEP can help! Read on to find out how using PrEP for HIV can make all the difference.

What Is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a prescription medicine that lowers the risk of HIV when having sex or injecting drugs. It’s highly effective when taken as prescribed daily.

By taking PrEP, you can relax knowing that your sex is safe and you can have as much as you want.

Does PrEP for HIV Work?

PrEP works by preventing the HIV virus from multiplying and therefore from causing an infection.

It’s so effective that in populations more susceptible to HIV, it can lower the chance of getting it from between 92% and 99%. However, if you fail to take the amount prescribed, PrEP won’t work the same.

While there’s no data to show how long PrEP takes to reach its maximum benefit, here are some helpful facts we do have:

  • After 7 days, the greatest protection’s received for vaginal sex
  • At around 21 days, PrEP offers maximum protection for anal sex

Who Should Take PrEP?

PrEP should be used by anyone engaging in unprotected sex, but there are also some other situations where it provides benefits.

Where there’s a high risk of HIV, you should take PrEP when having sex. This includes if you’re:

  • Having sex with more than one person
  • In a relationship and your partner has HIV
  • Engaging in sex with your partner who’s injected drugs within the last six months
  • Someone who’s shared needles for drug use up to six months before
  • Unsure if your partner has HIV but know they’ve shared needles in the past

What Are the Benefits of PrEP for HIV?

There are several benefits to taking PrEP, both for you and your partner. Not only can it protect you from HIV, but it can also:

  • Be convenient to use as you only have to take one pill every day
  • Give you confidence knowing that you’re controlling your risk and keeping it low
  • Provide a sense of comfort if you’re a higher-risk person
  • Allow you the option for a baby if either you or your partner has HIV

At Swell Clinic, we offer appointments for PrEP virtually so that you can take advantage from the comfort of your home.

Let’s Get You Started With PrEP Here

Worried about HIV? Fear that you or your partner might be at risk of getting it? PrEP could be the answer! We’ve shown you the pros of PrEP for HIV and how to know when it might be right for you.

If you think you could benefit from PrEP, contact us today! We’ll get you started, so you can have sex and enjoy it freely.