Source: Shutterstock / FemiClear
Brought to you by FemiClear
Among the loneliest feelings in the world: Getting a herpes diagnosis. Sure, we’re all familiar with this sexual transmitted infection, but not until recently did you hear anyone talk about having it. That silence is strange, because despite what we’ve been led to believe, genital herpes is super common and nothing to be ashamed of.
The truth is, 1 in 6 women have genital herpes, so it’s more prevalent than many realize. For non-Hispanic Black women, it’s even more common, with about half having the condition. Not to mention, there’s an additional segment of the population completely unaware that they’re carriers, according to data gathered by the World Health Organization. While a herpes diagnosis may feel like the end of the world, its symptoms are manageable and there are now more support resources than ever before. Over the years, specialists and advocates with herpes have worked to not only fight the stigma of the condition, but also find ways to make living with it much more manageable. “I think we have a better understanding of the process and are also able to talk about it more openly. That’s what I’ve seen lately, which is helpful because there are a lot of people who are living in fear and also don’t want to discuss their diagnosis,” says OB/GYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd.
Though there isn’t a cure for herpes, the outbreak symptoms can be treated. The main goal of treatment is to shorten the duration of symptoms (typically 7-10 days without treatment) and decrease the number of outbreaks, according to Dr. Shepherd. Most doctors will prescribe patients an antiviral medication to help alleviate discomfort. Yet it wasn’t until this fall that a mainstream over-the-counter option hit the market, FemiClear for Genital Herpes Symptoms. It’s been shown to reduce the itching, burning, and pain of outbreaks in over 90% of women who tried it. Used as a complement to your existing Rx anti-viral medication, FemiClear is an all-natural and organic treatment that helps provide soothing relief for herpes outbreak symptoms. While use at the first sign of an outbreak is recommended for best results, you can continue using the ointment throughout your outbreak as needed so you can go about your business without missing a beat. FemiClear is available at CVS in the personal intimacy aisle or online at CVS.com, Target.com, or Amazon.com.
Source: Shutterstock / FemiClear
“I’m super excited about [the launch of FemiClear],” says Jenelle Marie Pierce, executive director of The STI Project and sexual health educator. And she has good reason to be. During in vitro laboratory testing, FemiClear was found to have killed over 99.9% of the herpes simplex I & II viruses. “Nothing has been as accessible as this is, researched and proven to be as effective.” In other words, it’s definitely something worth talking about.
