Welcome to The Helper
The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) published the first issue of The Helper in 1979, in response to an overwhelming public demand for unbiased, accurate information about herpes simplex virus infection. The Helper was an essential part of ASHA’s Herpes Resource Center (HRC), the first national outreach center for people with herpes. As the inaugural issue of The Helper stated, the establishment of the HRC was “the first step along a road of hope for the thousands of individuals who have suffered silently for too long.”
Published as a subscription-based publication for more than 30 years, The Helper is now available free online. From testing and treatment options to the differences and consequences of the different viral types, to the emotional issues of dealing with a stigmatized infection and communicating with intimate partners about it, the articles presented here cover a wide range of issues of interest to our readers and reflect some of the best the newsletter has had to offer over the past three decades along with latest news, research and commentary.
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Posted On Sexual Health
Adolescents have High Rates of HSV-2
A study published in Sexually Transmitted Diseases finds adolescents have far higher rates of HSV-2 than the population at large. Researchers tested…
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Posted On Sexual Health
Condomology
Working closely with Church & Dwight – the manufacturer of Trojan condoms- ASHA has developed an array of sexual health…
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Posted On Sexual Health
HSV-1 Common in Genital Herpes
Years ago The Helper ran an article “Good Virus, Bad Virus.” The title played off the perception that HSV-1 is…
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Posted On Self image
The Past and Future of a “Herpes Identity”
James Stanley Miller is a graduate of Harvard University. He completed an honors degree in History and Science. Mr. Miller’s…
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Posted On Herpes Testing
All About Herpes Testing: An Interview with Rhoda Ashley Morrow, PhD
An important first step in managing genital herpes is getting an accurate diagnosis. While that may seem like a simple…
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Posted On Herpes Testing
Sorting Through the Serum: A closer look at serologic tests
Type-specific serologic tests for herpes are highly sensitive and highly specific, but not entirely so. Why are serologic tests forherpes…
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Posted On Herpes Testing
Should HSV Testing Be a Routine Part of Care?
While many people may be under the false impression that herpes testing is included as a routine part of a…
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Posted On Herpes Testing
Herpes Blood Test Guide
While genital herpes is a very common infection, it can be easily misdiagnosed and is often underdiagnosed. While viral detection…