Just diagnosed w/ HSV. Needing to learn to accept, and come to terms. Any suggestions? Ty. :)?

Question

I was diagnosed Monday with HSV. I never had symptoms previously. Yet, I am told, I could have had this for years, and never known. Unaware of when, or whom, I contracted this from; which I understand is quite typical. There is so much information out there. The one thing I have noticed a lack thereof, is support systems for those just diagnosed. How to learn to live with this, how to accept. Best ways to move forward from the initial shock. Learning to accept that I have something that will never go away, and how this is going to affect the rest of my life? Any help/support is much appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

There are actually several support groups online if you want to become a part of that. Here are a few links to some:
http://www.herpes.com/
http://www.herpes.org/

It is going to take you a while to accept that you have something that there is no cure, believe me. It took me a good 6 months (at least) to accept that I have genital herpes and that I'll have to live with it the rest of my life.

As for future relationships and sex, you should have no problem! Herpes is VERY common. According to the CDC (Centers For Disease Control & Prevention) 1 in 4 women have genital herpes, and 1 in 5 men have it! That's A LOT of people!

I have dated several guys throughout the last few years and every single guy I have dated STILL chose to date me after I told them I had genital herpes. There are ways of preventing the spread of it, you just have to take more precautions. I know not every person is as accpetting as the men I have dated, some can be REALLY rude for that matter, but there are plantly of guys and girls out there that would date a person with genital herpes.

I am currently in a great relationship with my fiance. We are both healthy and happy and not to mention have a great sex life. It's possible to be happy and healthy with herpes!

I personally think herpes isn't that bad. I honestly can say I think it is one of the better STDs to have (if a person has to have one of course). It won't kill you like HIV/AIDS or untreated syphilis. It doesn't cause sterility or infertility like untreated spyhilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can. And, it doesn't cause cancer like HPV. HPV is a horrible STD! I have not only had genital herpes for over 5 years, but I have also had HPV for 5 years. I developed cervical cancer from it at 17 years old! It was awful! Don't get me wrong about herpes though, the sores can be very painful! But, they heal!

If you want to talk you can email me if you'd like. Take care!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Hi, Herpes stands for Herpes Simplex Virus. There are many different types of this virus and it is extremely common. The important things for you to know are: 1. It is estimated that 25% of the population (that's right, 1 in 4) are infected with genital herpes, most of whom are unaware. So, you are certainly not alone. 2. It is important that you talk with your Doctor about which treatment options are best for you. 3. Find and join a support group, I am sure they are out there if you look in the right places. ( I don't know where you are from, so I can't really help!). 4. Talk to Alli, as she has lived and overcome the stigma that this virus has. 5. Though the symptoms suck they get better over time and with the use of medication, but the stigma always remains. Realize though, that it really just is s stigma! I think you should tell your partners, as anyone worth dating will not leave you based on that, as long as you tell them around the right time (IE- NOT- hey, my name is so and so and I have herpes!, or WOW, that sex was great, I need a smoke and by the way I have herpes....). Somewhere in between there(talk to Alli for better advice there). and 6. Life will go on, though it may not seem like it now, you can and will still have a very satisfying sexual life with a partner who cares very much for you and can see past the virus. I hope that helps!

Answer 5

ok, whoever said that it will go away is wrong. This is a virus that you will always have. It will come and go as it pleases. You do have options to help out though. You need to take care of yourself, don't stress, eat right, take vitamins and exercise. If you have tons of outbreaks, your doc can put you on some antiviral medicine to help cut down on them. Don't freak out though...this is actually very common. Always remember to be 100% honest with any new partners and you will find that it's not a life sentence, just an illness.

Answer 6

Your body has to adjust to the virus and it can go dormant and never re-appear again, but the new strain of HSV II is much more complicated.

Answer 7

[JENI]. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH ON THIS AS WELL. JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP IN YOUR EREA. YOUR DOCTOR CAN GIVE YOU THE PLACE AS WELL ADRESS OF IT TAKE CARE AS WELL GOD BLESS. ?

Answer 8

What is HSV????