Health Care Provider

[mp7474]

What type of doctor do you reccomend for Herpes questions or treatement?  A urologist, dermatologist, or FP?  Thanks for the help.  I know you have addressed this before, but i could not find the post.  Sorry to trouble you with it again.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No problem!  Unfortunately, it's highly variable--any of the above may be very knowledgable.  Ideally you should try to get word-of-mouth advice, but if just going by the odds, I would predict the most knowledge by a dermatologist, then FP, and urologist last.  Many internists and Ob-Gyn docs are very good (you don't say whether you are a man or woman); you can also call your local medical society to see if there is an infectious diseases specialist in your area.  Or call your local health department STD clinic, either to request an appointment or to get their advice about knowledgable docs in your area.

One other approach is to contact the American Social Health Association (www.ashastd.org; or maybe there's a hyphen, www.asha-std.org, I forget) and follow links to learn if there is a Herpes HELP group in your area.  Such groups of persons with genital herpes exist in many geographic areas; if one is near you, the members likely would have reliable advice about knowledgable providers.

Good luck!   HHH, MD

[Babycakes1]

MP,

You may also want to contact:

Title: Herpes Resource Center
Description: Emotional support and education for persons with herpes. Referrals to HELP support groups, which provide a safe, confidential environment in which to obtain accurate information, and share experiences with others. Support group development guidelines. Free pamphlets (send self-addressed stamped envelope). Quarterly journal ($25). Other materials available.
Scope: National
Number Groups: 85+ groups
Founded: 1914
Address: P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709
United States
Telephone: [phone] (hotline: 9am-6pm); [phone] (for starting groups)
Fax: [phone]
Email: ***@****
Web Address: http://www.ashastd.org



This information has been generously provided by The American Self Help Clearinghouse and hosted by Med Help International. Please send corrections/updates to ***@****.
Updated: 08/2004