Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP) Podcast Summary

Episode: SPFPP 361: What Are the Herpes Transmission Rates?
Host: Courtney Brame
Release Date: December 26, 2024

Introduction and Purpose

In episode 361 of the Something Positive for Positive People podcast, host Courtney Brame delves into the crucial topic of herpes transmission rates. Recognizing the inconsistency and inaccuracy of online information, Courtney aims to provide clear, evidence-based insights to help individuals better understand transmission dynamics and reduce stigma surrounding herpes.

Courtney Brame [00:05]: "I want to offer something that I think is useful to people. I've not talked about herpes transmission rates and for good reason... the problem with that is if you tell someone, oh, the transmission rates are this number, and then they go do their own research and it turns out to be higher, for example, that person's probably not going to have a lot of trust in you."

Website and SEO Enhancements

Courtney discusses recent updates to the SPFPP website (spfpp.org), highlighting efforts to improve search engine visibility through strategic blogging. Initially resistant to this change, she acknowledges the benefits after observing significant improvements in search rankings.

Courtney Brame [03:10]: "After writing [a blog post about female to male herpes transmission rates], it was very easy to rank at the top of search engines after I posted it."

She shares her experiences with SEO, noting how specific blog posts can climb search results, thereby enhancing the website’s accessibility to those seeking reliable information.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

The episode outlines several upcoming events aimed at fostering community and providing education:

1. Herpes Conversation Disclosure Workshop [12:30]:

   • Date: December 27
   • Collaborator: Plura (formerly Bloom)
   • Focus: Interactive session on disclosing herpes status, emphasizing engagement over structured presentations.

2. Herpes Conference [24:50]:

   • Date: May 22, 2025
   • Highlights: Presentation of survey data, discussions on the spiritual significance of herpes, and guest speaker Dr. Eveline Dacher focusing on somatics, stigma, and mental health.

3. Simulation Training for Healthcare Professionals [32:15]:

   • Location: Phoenix, Arizona
   • Partner: Affirm AZ
   • Objective: Training providers in taking sexual histories and delivering herpes diagnoses effectively.

Courtney Brame [15:45]: "We have a workshop at the expense of not wanting to be annoying… we have events. We have workshop at the expense of not wanting to be annoying and send more than what I said I was going to send…"

These initiatives underscore SPFPP’s commitment to education, support, and reducing stigma through practical and interactive means.

Herpes Transmission Rates Explained

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to clarifying herpes transmission rates, addressing common misconceptions, and emphasizing the complexity beyond basic statistics.

1. Inconsistencies in Reported Rates [40:20]:

   • Different sources report varying transmission rates, leading to confusion and mistrust.
   • Example disparities: GoodRx cites female-to-male transmission rates as "<10%,” whereas The Today Show reports “20%.”

2. Factors Influencing Transmission [46:35]:

   • Skin-to-Skin Contact: The primary mode of transmission, irrespective of gender.
   • Outbreak Status: Presence and frequency of outbreaks.
   • Barrier Use: Effectiveness of condoms and dental dams in reducing risk.
   • Antiviral Medication: Impact of suppressive therapy.
   • Overall Health: Both partners’ physical and mental health statuses.

Courtney Brame [52:10]: "What we're talking about is oral to genital, with or without barriers, genital to genital, with or without barriers. But ultimately skin to skin contact occurring with or without barriers."

3. Practical Implications of Transmission Rates [60:05]:
   • Statistical Limitations: Understanding percentages doesn’t fully capture individual risk.
   • Behavioral Considerations: Emphasizes that a 3% transmission rate doesn’t equate to absolute safety.

Courtney Brame [62:45]: "If I wear a condom and someone's on antivirals, then there's only a 3% chance. Now what does that mean? 3% means 3 out of 103 per century…"

4. Alternative Perspective – Risk Reduction [74:30]:
   • Survey Insight: Over 70% of individuals with herpes have not transmitted the virus to their partners.
   • Encouraging Dialogue: Focuses on honest conversations rather than relying solely on transmission statistics.

Courtney Brame [78:20]: "More than 70% of people who have had sex with a person who doesn't have herpes have not passed it on to another person. To me, that is way more useful information than what the transmission rates are."

Personal Updates and Organizational Growth

Courtney provides a candid update on her personal life and the growth of SPFPP. She shares her recent move to New Jersey, her relationship status, and the expansion of SPFPP’s services, including:

• Yoga Therapy [90:00]:
  • Integration of somatic practices to address herpes stigma.
  • Courtney’s Role: Newly trained yoga therapist offering sessions that incorporate movement, breath, meditation, and journaling.

Courtney Brame [100:15]: "Yoga therapy complements therapy very well. We identify imbalances of our own inner natures and restore that balance."

• Financial and Organizational Changes [105:30]:
  • Transition to allocating 90% of incoming funds to Courtney’s roles and 10% to organizational needs.
  • Investment in professional accounting to manage increased funding, now nearing $95,000 in donations and grants.

Courtney Brame [110:45]: "I am able to pay myself 90% of what comes in and keep what services I'm providing."

• Future Plans [115:00]:
  • Hosting more in-depth conversations about living with herpes in the context of relationships.
  • Developing workshops on boundaries, rejection, and integrating a herpes diagnosis into personal growth.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In wrapping up the episode, Courtney emphasizes the importance of community support, accurate information dissemination, and ongoing personal and organizational development. She encourages listeners to engage with SPFPP through:

• Podcast Engagement: Like, rate, review, share, and subscribe.
• Website Interaction: Visit spfpp.org, explore the blog, and participate in surveys.
• Event Participation: Register for upcoming workshops and conferences.
• Donation and Support: Financial contributions help sustain and expand SPFPP’s offerings.

Courtney Brame [130:00]: "When you donate, when you are supportive and you share this content, it's not just helping me personally... We're here to support people who are living with and struggling with herpes and stigma."

Key Takeaways

• Transmission Rates Are Complex: Understanding herpes transmission requires considering multiple factors beyond basic statistics.
• Effective Communication Reduces Stigma: Honest and informed conversations about herpes can foster trust and reduce misinformation.
• SPFPP’s Expanding Role: Through workshops, conferences, and yoga therapy, SPFPP is enhancing support systems for individuals living with herpes.
• Community Engagement is Crucial: Listener participation through website interaction, event attendance, and financial support is vital for SPFPP’s mission.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Providing Useful Information:
  Courtney Brame [00:20]: "I've not talked about herpes transmission rates and for good reason. Because a lot of times when you look for that information online, you don't see accurate, consistent information."

• On SEO and Blogging:
  Courtney Brame [03:10]: "After writing it, it was very easy to rank at the top of search engines after I posted it."

• On Transmission Complexity:
  Courtney Brame [52:10]: "What we're talking about is oral to genital, with or without barriers, genital to genital, with or without barriers. But ultimately skin to skin contact occurring with or without barriers."

• On Survey Insights:
  Courtney Brame [78:20]: "More than 70% of people who have had sex with a person who doesn't have herpes have not passed it on to another person."

• On Organizational Growth:
  Courtney Brame [110:45]: "I am able to pay myself 90% of what comes in and keep what services I'm providing."

Resources Mentioned

• Website: spfpp.org
• Survey Link: spfpp.org/herpes-survey
• Yoga Therapy Services: spfpp.org/yoga-therapy
• Upcoming Workshop Registration: Accessible via the Events tab on the SPFPP website.

This episode of Something Positive for Positive People serves as an informative guide on herpes transmission rates while highlighting SPFPP’s ongoing efforts to support and educate individuals living with herpes. Courtney Brame’s transparent discussion offers valuable insights for both those newly diagnosed and long-time community members seeking deeper understanding and connection.