Statistically, it is shown that black women, particularly between the ages of 20-49 are more likely to have herpes than any other race. About 50 percent of all black women have herpes. With numbers like these it is painfully obvious that something needs to be done to change these numbers around.

Herpes, is an STI or sexually transmitted illness caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The CDC estimates that, annually, 776,000 people in the United States get new herpes infections. Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 16.2 percent, or about one out of six, people ages 14 to 49 have a genital HSV-2 infection. It is easier for a man to infect a women than for a women in infect a man. Approximately one in five women have genital herpes.

Herpes, when active, can present itself in different ways like one or more blisters around the mouth, genital or butt area. The active phase can last 2-21 days depending on the person. Sometimes it is possible to never have outbreaks. There is no cure for herpes, only treatment for the symptoms during outbreaks.

It is no secret that black women are one race who are desperately seeking love in all the wrong men. Trying to find love or fill some void in their hearts that only loving yourself can fill. Black women are prided on their big booty’s and thighs, so it is easy to think that looks define who you are. With a mindset like that, it is easy to think “As long has I have those physical attributes, a man will stay with me.”

One possible explanation for herpes in black women is as young women growing up in households, we were taught to not get pregnant. While others learned about getting married. As long as we did not bring home any babies, we were okay. That is a problem. When you are taught about marriage you learn the importance of waiting for a man to truly love you.

As Black women, we need to change our mind-sets and prioritize for the sake of our health. Ask questions. When we do this, not only will these statistics change about herpes and other infectious diseases, but how we feel about ourselves as black women will too.