Being diagnosed with genital herpes or any other type of herpes is a lot to take in and understand. You may wonder how your life will change now that you have this STD because there is no cure. However, there is more than one herpes treatment that has proven to be effective with controlling this disease. There are different things you can do to lead a positive, healthy life while having herpes.
Herpes Facts
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects over 3 million Americans. This disease affects people of all ages, including children, teens, and seniors. Herpes is a chronic disease that can last for many years and is often self-diagnosable. There are different treatments available that help with outbreaks and the symptoms that accompany herpes, but there is no herpes cure. Asymptomatic shedding is when you are most contagious and can give the herpes disease to someone else. Symptoms and signs of herpes include ulcers, itching, pain, scabs, pain, and small sores that are often blisters.
Living With Herpes
Depression and Herpes
When some people are diagnosed with herpes, depression often sets in because they feel their world is over, especially their sex life. Although there is no cure for herpes, this disease is not fatal to healthy adults. Did you know that some men and women are currently living with herpes and do not realize it? This is a common disease that affects one in 5 men and one in 4 women. You can live a long, healthy, happy, and romantic life and still have herpes. In many instances, the first outbreak is the most severe. The key to happiness in this situation is, to be honest, and open about your diagnosis with your potential sex partners.
Dating with Herpes
Dating with herpes is not impossible. Telling someone about your herpes status can be a challenge. Keep calm and make the conversation as easy as possible by involving both you and the other person in the conversation. An icebreaker for this discussion is asking if they have ever had an STD or tested for STDs. You be surprised at what other people have been through or are currently enduring.
Make sure you know your facts. A person who does not have herpes or has ever had an STD will have more questions than a person who is educated on the topic. There is a herpes stigma that makes many people feel as if it is a death sentence, so be open to explaining and helping them understand the facts about herpes. Timing is important. Choose a time when you and your partner are alone and have no distractions. You both need to have each other’s undivided attention.
Herpes and Your Family
Discussing your herpes status with your family can be difficult, but this too is also about timing. Your family may want to know intimate details, such as the name of the person who gave you the disease, how long you’ve had it, and your current treatment plan. Set aside time to discuss your situation in-depth and give your family time to process everything.
Herpes and Parenting
When you have been diagnosed with herpes, you may rightfully be concerned about interacting with your children. Snuggling with your child is safe. Herpes is not an STD that does not have bugs hopping and crawling from one person to another. You can safely wash your clothes with your children’s clothes and other belongings, and your children will not contract herpes. There is no need to take bleach baths or use bleach and disinfectants for purposes other than cleaning. Do not use these products on yourself. Using regular soap and water will get the job done. Using the same comb, brush, and even using the same toilet will not cause your child to contract the herpes virus.
Having herpes is not the end of your life. Take control and live as you would if you didn’t have this disease. Go explore and do all the things you have ever wanted to do. Don’t let herpes stand in the way of your happiness.