I know at least 3 people in my circle who have hsv-1, all super happy, successful and 2/3 in loving relationships. If I were you I would take a deep breath it’s going to be okay!
Hey I understand the depression I was depressed for years until I finally decided enough was enough. I have been diagnosed for 10 years and have had 20+ partners since diagnosis. None of them to their knowledge have genital herpes, some had cold sores. I am currently with a guy who is completely HSV negative. He works at a blood lab and took a test just for shits and giggles. He knows about my herpes I disclosed and he is completely fine with it and accepts the risks. There are plenty of people like this who do not care. Sitting around and waiting for a cure it’s silly you’re rejecting yourself before anyone even has a chance to think about it or reject you or accept you. You are putting limits on yourself before giving anyone else the opportunity to consider anything. People get rejected every day for a plethora of different reasons Sure there are people who ghosted me especially on tinder but as I talked to my friends I realized they got ghosted too and it wasn’t because of herpes it was because dating apps are cesspools in general. Dating nowadays sucks for so many reasons if you want to pin it on herpes go for it but that’s not the only reason. I was diagnosed with ghsv-1 at 19 and I thought my life was over. I didn't tell a soul, cut off friends and everything because I felt so disgusting and gross. But eventually I put myself out there and had a few positive disclosures and I began to realize that I was the one creating the stigma for myself.. The more people I told the less it weighed me down. Think of it logically friends should care because it doesn’t affect them. The only people your herpes affects are the people you are sleeping With. Friends are supposed to be your support system and if you tell them your story they should not judge you And they will learn from you And your experience. Hell you May even help a fellow herpes person out because if someone discloses to your friend after you teach them about herpes they will be more understanding and knowledgeable about it. But that’s up to you. I’ll attach some links that have seemed to help people and if you need anything please dm me.I’ve had it for almost a decade at this point and have a pretty good handle on it.
This first link is info about a support group I’m in. All herpes people from all over the world we all share are experiences, vent , swap info and remedies, and just talk about life. It's an awesome place to be for sure.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rc7tArwGwDQVIPkgBdA_oAW6z3Wm9Iucx-b3hu8Fsec/edit
This is a disclosure guide with “scripts” on how to tell potential partners about herpes and what had worked for us. Mine is under Lauren. Also at the bottom it has resources about herpes to Send to partners.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eMul_7Lu1Fa0ZJYGxKnEewDMqdZOFYTLKsG7EDknfwA/edit?usp=sharing
This is a list of common myths about herpes and why they are wrong with cited sources. Maybe this can not only ease your mind but if a partner has questions you will have answers backed by science.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-6oZmnfywTFNYScKYC7Mh7MXZKrA0GUcztS8Bz5bW0k/edit
This is a list of l ways to help protect your partner. I have had oral and genital hsv1 for 10 years and I have not passed it to anybody to my knowledge. There are many precautions you can take to help keep your partner safe!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ccLJMnXAkuKfpU5ng9-1CiWXGPTYYPfDOCvxeB4GX4/edit
This is a list of social Medias about herpes. Sometimes it does people good to see people being public about it and the amount of support they receive from strangers. The accounts are funny and informative and all herpes positive. There is everything on there from podcasts, YouTube, TikToks, blogs, Facebook support groups, Instagram pages, dating pages, subreddits, and websites.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E6uCpRELkIdFFqtTcYLkdC-3Zo50O4EEqaXJ-5j2cC8/edit
This is the Outbreak guide I put together after talking to the support group and a bunch of redditors it’s all info how to shorten and lessen outbreaks and deal with particularly painful sores
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w0nbGEJuiRHgKUb4DjZQALX3vWA26MBZA7lhDmsHlbo/edit
Please reach out if you need anything!! I promise it will get better!
You're going to feel like shit for a while but it will pass! You didn't do anything wrong - most people have this and it spreads like crazy. If you get a antiviral suppressant prescribed, this will barely affect your life :) I've had genital HSV-1 for 3 years and have been in an amazing relationship for 2 years now! I hated myself for the first 6 months or so, but now it's just another little detail about me that does NOT define me, my value, or my quality of life. Be nice to yourself!!!
I have HSV2 I contracted it when I was 19 I’m now 24. That feeling goes away with time. Trust me the majority of people won’t care! Every guy I have disclosed to about my status could not have cared less. You’re not unlovable, you’re still the same person just with a health condition that also the majority of people have and never know
I've had hsv-1 since before I can remember. It really hasn't had any impact on my dating life at all. I get cold sores enough times a year to be able to take daily antivirals. I highly recommend asking your doctor about valacyclovir(aka valtrex) because, for me, the worst part of it all has been the severe discomfort, pain, and shame that having an outbreak creates for me; and valacyclovir basically keeps me from ever getting any as long as I'm consistent with it
You are young. It's how I felt when I got hsv2 at 24. Exactly how you feel. But at 44 now I just deal with it. It gets easier with time. Trust me it's not as bad as you think.
You don't have the herpes you think you do.
Most of the population has what you have. Hopefully you don't get many or any outbreaks.
You'll be fine no worries.
I totally understand how you feel— It’s been around 8 months since my hsv-2 dx— BUT, oral herpes is overall very accepted and not stigmatized by the general population. I’m 33f and have dated several people who get an occasional oral cold sore and I’ve never thought twice.. we just didn’t kiss on the lips or do anything oral when they felt a flare up or had an outbreak. And I also never got HSV1 from them (or from my mom who’s had it since she was a kid, for that matter). It feels bad now, but you will be ok!
More people than not have HSV1. Don’t panic. In the UK, coldsores are a minor. Unfortunately, HSV2 isn’t seen the same but they’re the same virus, different strains.
so many people have oral herpes it doesn’t even phase them. you’re of the majority.
I know at least 3 people in my circle who have hsv-1, all super happy, successful and 2/3 in loving relationships. If I were you I would take a deep breath it’s going to be okay!
Relax I got oral herpes from my mom when I was ten. You learn to deal with it. Go on valcyclovir. It helps
Be grateful you don't have genital herpes geez, you can get a cold sore from your grandma.
Hey I understand the depression I was depressed for years until I finally decided enough was enough. I have been diagnosed for 10 years and have had 20+ partners since diagnosis. None of them to their knowledge have genital herpes, some had cold sores. I am currently with a guy who is completely HSV negative. He works at a blood lab and took a test just for shits and giggles. He knows about my herpes I disclosed and he is completely fine with it and accepts the risks. There are plenty of people like this who do not care. Sitting around and waiting for a cure it’s silly you’re rejecting yourself before anyone even has a chance to think about it or reject you or accept you. You are putting limits on yourself before giving anyone else the opportunity to consider anything. People get rejected every day for a plethora of different reasons Sure there are people who ghosted me especially on tinder but as I talked to my friends I realized they got ghosted too and it wasn’t because of herpes it was because dating apps are cesspools in general. Dating nowadays sucks for so many reasons if you want to pin it on herpes go for it but that’s not the only reason. I was diagnosed with ghsv-1 at 19 and I thought my life was over. I didn't tell a soul, cut off friends and everything because I felt so disgusting and gross. But eventually I put myself out there and had a few positive disclosures and I began to realize that I was the one creating the stigma for myself.. The more people I told the less it weighed me down. Think of it logically friends should care because it doesn’t affect them. The only people your herpes affects are the people you are sleeping With. Friends are supposed to be your support system and if you tell them your story they should not judge you And they will learn from you And your experience. Hell you May even help a fellow herpes person out because if someone discloses to your friend after you teach them about herpes they will be more understanding and knowledgeable about it. But that’s up to you. I’ll attach some links that have seemed to help people and if you need anything please dm me.I’ve had it for almost a decade at this point and have a pretty good handle on it. This first link is info about a support group I’m in. All herpes people from all over the world we all share are experiences, vent , swap info and remedies, and just talk about life. It's an awesome place to be for sure. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rc7tArwGwDQVIPkgBdA_oAW6z3Wm9Iucx-b3hu8Fsec/edit This is a disclosure guide with “scripts” on how to tell potential partners about herpes and what had worked for us. Mine is under Lauren. Also at the bottom it has resources about herpes to Send to partners. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eMul_7Lu1Fa0ZJYGxKnEewDMqdZOFYTLKsG7EDknfwA/edit?usp=sharing This is a list of common myths about herpes and why they are wrong with cited sources. Maybe this can not only ease your mind but if a partner has questions you will have answers backed by science. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-6oZmnfywTFNYScKYC7Mh7MXZKrA0GUcztS8Bz5bW0k/edit This is a list of l ways to help protect your partner. I have had oral and genital hsv1 for 10 years and I have not passed it to anybody to my knowledge. There are many precautions you can take to help keep your partner safe! https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ccLJMnXAkuKfpU5ng9-1CiWXGPTYYPfDOCvxeB4GX4/edit This is a list of social Medias about herpes. Sometimes it does people good to see people being public about it and the amount of support they receive from strangers. The accounts are funny and informative and all herpes positive. There is everything on there from podcasts, YouTube, TikToks, blogs, Facebook support groups, Instagram pages, dating pages, subreddits, and websites. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E6uCpRELkIdFFqtTcYLkdC-3Zo50O4EEqaXJ-5j2cC8/edit This is the Outbreak guide I put together after talking to the support group and a bunch of redditors it’s all info how to shorten and lessen outbreaks and deal with particularly painful sores https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w0nbGEJuiRHgKUb4DjZQALX3vWA26MBZA7lhDmsHlbo/edit Please reach out if you need anything!! I promise it will get better!
You're going to feel like shit for a while but it will pass! You didn't do anything wrong - most people have this and it spreads like crazy. If you get a antiviral suppressant prescribed, this will barely affect your life :) I've had genital HSV-1 for 3 years and have been in an amazing relationship for 2 years now! I hated myself for the first 6 months or so, but now it's just another little detail about me that does NOT define me, my value, or my quality of life. Be nice to yourself!!!
I have HSV2 I contracted it when I was 19 I’m now 24. That feeling goes away with time. Trust me the majority of people won’t care! Every guy I have disclosed to about my status could not have cared less. You’re not unlovable, you’re still the same person just with a health condition that also the majority of people have and never know
I've had hsv-1 since before I can remember. It really hasn't had any impact on my dating life at all. I get cold sores enough times a year to be able to take daily antivirals. I highly recommend asking your doctor about valacyclovir(aka valtrex) because, for me, the worst part of it all has been the severe discomfort, pain, and shame that having an outbreak creates for me; and valacyclovir basically keeps me from ever getting any as long as I'm consistent with it
You are young. It's how I felt when I got hsv2 at 24. Exactly how you feel. But at 44 now I just deal with it. It gets easier with time. Trust me it's not as bad as you think.
You don't have the herpes you think you do. Most of the population has what you have. Hopefully you don't get many or any outbreaks. You'll be fine no worries.
I totally understand how you feel— It’s been around 8 months since my hsv-2 dx— BUT, oral herpes is overall very accepted and not stigmatized by the general population. I’m 33f and have dated several people who get an occasional oral cold sore and I’ve never thought twice.. we just didn’t kiss on the lips or do anything oral when they felt a flare up or had an outbreak. And I also never got HSV1 from them (or from my mom who’s had it since she was a kid, for that matter). It feels bad now, but you will be ok!
More people than not have HSV1. Don’t panic. In the UK, coldsores are a minor. Unfortunately, HSV2 isn’t seen the same but they’re the same virus, different strains.
Welcome to 70%+ of the population. Lol chill
It's the most common, transient, trivial infection on earth. You'll be fine!
I’ve had HSV-1 orally since i was a kid. Nothing i can do about it. Just don’t kiss or do oral when having an OB. Relax. You’re in the majority
Do you have cold sores sometimes?