Let's talk about my penis size

Dear Dr Williams-Green,

I had blisters on my penis from my teenage years (for seven years). Whenever they came up, I would apply Betnovate (Beclomethasone) ointment and those blisters would go away immediately. I had been doing this for the last seven years. Now, I'm engaged and so I had a medical check-up. The doctor did a blood test and I tested positive for Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV). The doctor told me that there is no cure for it. I came to know that it is highly contagious. I'm broken down. I think my life is ruined. Can't I marry that girl? Currently, I'm taking Acyclovir tablets and ointments. The doctor strictly told me not to use the Betnovate ointment.

What should I do now? Please advise. Thank you.

Dear Reader,

I can understand how disappointed you felt when you were told there is no cure for HSV. But there is still good news. The treatment you are now receiving may suppress the HSV outbreaks for some time but, because the virus is still shed in intercourse, you should use a barrier method, such as a condom. I suggest that you share your story with your beloved and together decide the way forward. Remember, the virus is very common among sexually active persons. Good luck, I am sure true love will win out.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green

President, Caribbean College of Family Physicians

Send questions and comments to our health specialists at Your Health, c/o The Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com. Unless otherwise indicated, letters and the specialists' responses are usually published.