I found out about a week ago, and I've been kind of numb to the news.. should i be extremely worried, or is this this kind of thing you just have to accept and move on with....
2007-10-18 08:33:00 · 11 answers · asked by KdS 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
It's completely normal for you to feel "numb" right now.
I was shocked, upset, angry, disgusted, you name it for about 6 months. I secluded myself from everyone and wanted nothing to do with them. I was totally depressed and felt awful. After educating myself more about the virus I realized that it's really not as big of a deal as people make it seem. People can still do things that they normally would, like going to work or school, having meaningful relationships, having children, and all the other things that people without genital herpes do! I refused to let having genital herpes control my life and decided to move on with my life.
Don't worry, with time you should be just fine! MILLIONS of people have genital herpes and their lives are fine! They have relationships, children, and do everything "normal" people do!
Good luck to you and take care!
2007-10-18 11:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by Alli 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Physically, for most people it is a walk in the park. It is like cold sores on your mouth, in that some people never get outbreaks, most people get mild outbreaks occasionally and some people are plagued by bad recurrences.
For me, personally, althouh the first outbreak was not pleasant, all the other ones have been very mild - often just a sore spot and no blisters, and if I get blisters no more than 3. It always clears up within about 4 days. I get occasional yeast infections, and I'd far rather have a herpes outbreak than a yeast infection.
Mentally, it can be a bit tougher. I worry about telling men, even though I have told three and all had a very positive reaction - they didn't mind a bit. I have genital hsv-1 so if I were to want a one night stand I would never tell the man - I don't see this as abig deal since most people get cold sores and how many would tell you that they did? Besides I would use protection. I don't use protection with my current boyfriend - he knows and doesn't care.
Some women worry about having children with herpes. If you already have genital herpes prior to getting pregnant, it really isn't an issue at all, as the maternal antibodies protect the baby. Those who are worried about having an outbreak at the time of birth can request antiviral therapy in the four weeks leading up to the birth. My sister also has herpes and has had three children naturally, with no anitviral drugs and no problems whatsoever.
Since the physical side is nothing more than a tiny irritation to me I would say that he only effect it has had on my life at all that is negative is constantly wondering about what others would think. But that is all.
2007-10-19 06:35:44 · answer #2 · answered by mayflower25 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-02 20:59:07 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-08-13 11:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is life changing in the sense that you will have this virus for the rest of your life. And, you are now obligated to inform all sexual partners (before hand), of your condition (even if he wears a condom). Genital herpes is the same virus that causes fever blisters on the mouth and in the nose. So, just to be blunt, even if you are not having intercourse, but other foreplay (oral, mutual masturbation, etc) is going on, your partner is at risk.
Also, if you plan to get pregnant, you must let your OB/GYN (and the pediatrician you select) know about the HSV. A vaginal delivery increases the risk of passing the virus on to your baby. FYI, the virus could innoculate the baby anywhere on it's body (eyes, mouth, nose, anywhere on the skin). So, a conservative OB/GYN will most likely suggest a c-section delivery.
You asked if you should be "extremely worried". My answer is "No". Although, everything I said above is serious. Now, you should just be smart about the decisions you make and how they will effect other people. Educate yourself about HSV.
2007-10-18 10:08:42 · answer #5 · answered by judson783 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am absolutely terrified and I feel so alone. I just found out last week that I tested positive for hsv1 and 2. I have been with the same man for the past 10 years and within the last year found out that he has cheated on me with numerous women. I am so scared that I can give it to my children by kissing them and them eating with me...I feel like my whole life has changed. And even though the nurses, my doctor, and websites say that a lot of people have it I still feel like I am by myself. My self esteem has dropped and I feel like I have been used up. But now, My life is very happy.
Fast Acting Guaranteed Herpes Treatment?
2016-05-15 01:05:52 · answer #6 · answered by Diane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have genital herpes and I take daily suppressive therapy, so i never have outbreaks and it does not affect my life.
Daily suppressive therapy DOES prevent transmission to others, but it is not 100% effective.
You can transmit the disease even without an outbreak, so daily SUPP therapy is always a good idea as a precaution.
2007-10-18 10:00:46 · answer #7 · answered by Cari N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Herpes doesn't have to be the end of the world, however it is a sexually transmitted infection that will remain a part of your life until the rest of your life ( your body never gets rid of it) so you could always be potentially contageous to other partners. Some things to think about concerning herpes
1. If you are planning to bear children, you must inform your heath care provider that you have herpes. A C-section might be the safest route of delivery for your baby. Herpes lesions tend to be frequent in pregnancy as the body is under stress. If you have lesions during delivery a C-section is needed so the baby doesn't have potentially devestating effects.
2. Inform any new sexual partners of this STD. It is the only fair thing to do, and you'de be surprised, though some will probably not sleep with you, many still will. Use a condom always during sex ( unless the person doesn't mind taking the risks of contracting this STD from you) however for your own protection of obtaining anything new I would advise using a condom until married or in a very serious relationship. Even then condom use is not a bad idea!
3. There are medications available such as Valtrex, that can supress herpes outbreaks. Its a medication you have to take daily, sometimes twice a day but it works well. Valtrex and other suppressing agents DO NOT protect someone else from catching herpes from you. Even if there are no lesions present, you can still pass it on to someone else.
In short, its not the end of the world, but you now have to take precautions to not spread it to anyone else and to take better care of yourself. There are worse things out there such as HIV and even though that is not the end of the world, its a very hard life to live as well.
2007-10-18 08:45:58 · answer #8 · answered by Brittney 6 · 2⤊ 4⤋
check out the herpes hand book at the westover heigh5ts clinic website as well as "picking up the pieces" group here on yahoo - it really is not the end of the world.
*hugs*
2007-10-18 08:38:30 · answer #9 · answered by sandi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your life is over, no joke. Society is too stupid to accept something as minor as genital herpes.
2007-10-18 13:17:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋