Members of a support group, provide each other with various types of help for a particular shared difficulty. The support may take the form of providing relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to others' experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also provide ancillary support, such as serving as a voice for the public or engaging in advocacy. Support groups maintain interpersonal contact among their members in a variety of ways. Support groups also maintain contact through printed newsletters, telephone chains, internet forums, and mailing lists.

Support groups offer companionship and information for people coping with diseases or disabilities. Support groups may not be appropriate for everyone, and some find that a support group actually adds to their stress rather than relieving it.

Evaluation of the quality of Web sites is discussed in (internet information). You may find that several general women's health sites may help you (internet information). The following are more specialised relevant Web sites:-

This page was last reviewed: 9th December 2006

Herpes:

The purpose of a genital herpes support group is to help you deal with the psychological aspect of herpes and provide information about treatments and research. The International Herpes Alliance defines the role of a herpes support group as one that can provide medical advice, refer patients to clinics and doctors and help people pass through different emotional stages. Going to a herpes support group will help you express yourself and build confidence.

www. Aafp.org/afp/990315ap/1547.html

Boston herpes.org/ Boston Herpes Support Group

www. Thefacts.com. Au Herpes Support Group - Australia

Herpes Alliance

Herpes Online.

http://www.houstonhelp.org/ Herpes support Group in Houston Texas

List of USA Genital Herpes Support Groupsa.org/

Vulvodynia:

www. Pelvicpain.org/pdf/vulvodynia. Pdfdf

Warts:

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdhpv.htm

http://www. Mamashealth.com/stds/gwarts. Asp

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