Is That Cold Sore Really Herpes?

Is that cold sore really herpes? What’s the difference between a cold sore and genital herpes? Is there even a difference?

Maybe you’re confused. Someone has referred to a cold sore as herpes, but isn’t herpes an STD (sexually transmitted disease)? And even little kids can get cold sores. So what’s that all about?

Those are all good questions. Let’s sort this out.

First of all, there are two different kinds of herpes: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Both of these are viral — which means they are caused by a virus and once you get the virus, you have the virus forever.

HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact, like from saliva. Most cases of HSV-1 are contracted during childhood and the infections are oral, which means the infection is in or around the mouth. This means HSV-1 is not always a sexually transmitted infection. But if someone with HSV-1 has oral sex, they could pass the infection to their partner and cause an HSV-1 infection on the genitals. So some cases of genital herpes can be caused by HSV-1.

HSV-2 is almost always spread through sexual contact and causes genital herpes. One exception is if a mother has herpes, she can transmit the virus to her baby during delivery.

So HSV-1 is the main cause of oral herpes (cold sores), and HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes.

What are the symptoms of herpes?

Like many STD’s, a lot of people with herpes don’t have symptoms at all. However, both infections – oral and genital – can cause mild symptoms to painful blisters or sores. With HSV-2, when sores do happen, it’s called a “herpes outbreak.” It can often take 2-4 weeks to heal and can be accompanied with flu-like symptoms. Many times the number and severity of outbreaks decrease over time.

How common is herpes?

According to the Centers for Disease Control genital herpes is common in the United States. More than one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes.

How is herpes spread?

As we said, HSV-1 is mostly spread by oral-to-oral contact – by direct contact with the sores, with saliva, or with surfaces in or around the mouth. Sometimes, HSV-1 is spread through oral sex. HSV-2 is mostly transmitted during sexual activity – through direct contact with the genital surfaces, skin, sores, or the fluids of someone who is infected by HSV-2. Often, HSV-2 is spread even though there are no obvious sores or symptoms.

How can I prevent herpes?

Consistently and correctly using condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes, but HSV can be found on areas of skin not covered by a condom. The only way to 100% prevent spreading or contracting herpes is to abstain from all sexual activity and to only have sex when you’re in a mutually monogamous relationship (you both only ever have sex with each other).

If you have tested positive for herpes, talk with your medical provider about how you can reduce the chances of spreading herpes to future partners.

I want more information, how can I get that?

If you want to learn more about herpes simplex 1 or 2, you can go to the World Health Organization site – or to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. You can also call and schedule a time to come in and talk with one of our Collage staff members. All of our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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I Don’t Want Another Abortion

November 11, 2025

Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Can Guys Do with an Unexpected Pregnancy?

By Kirsten Berns • October 28, 2025

Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity. Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.

How Will Abortion Affect Me Mentally?

September 24, 2025

When considering abortion, it’s natural to wonder how the decision could affect your mental health. While every woman’s experience is different, being aware of possible emotional impacts and taking time to reflect on your circumstances can help you make an informed choice. At Collage, we provide free, confidential support so you don’t have to navigate these questions alone. Our staff is here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you with the resources you need as you process your options. Contact us to schedule your appointment today. What Research Suggests Research has shown that abortion can lead to a range of emotional responses. The American Psychological Association notes that some women experience grief, sadness, or even clinically significant issues like depression and anxiety afterward. Certain factors may make these outcomes more likely, such as: A history of mental health challenges Pressure from others to make a decision Lack of support or secrecy about the pregnancy Strong personal, cultural, or spiritual beliefs Wanting to continue the pregnancy but feeling unable to Recognizing how these factors may apply to your situation can help you prepare and seek support. You Have Other Options You are the one who will live with this decision, so it’s important not to rush. Confirming your pregnancy with a lab- quality test and ultrasound can provide clarity and help you understand your options, which include parenting and adoption. Speaking with a counselor or a healthcare professional can also give you space to process your feelings without judgment. We’re Here for You At Collage, we offer free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and confidential consultations so you can explore your options with accurate information and compassionate support. Schedule your free appointment today. You deserve the time, space, and care to make a confident decision with your mental health top of mind. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do provide pre-abortion screenings.