Wednesday, March 27, 2024

What To Know About Dating Someone With Herpes

Is Dating With Herpes Hard

How to Tell Your Partner You Have an STD | Health

The truth about dating with herpes is that it will be somewhat different than dating is for someone without a positive diagnosis. Does this mean that its harder? Not really it just means that its different. You may have to have a few more awkward conversations and you may run into people who arent interested in dating.

However, other than that, it should be business as usual in the romantic department. As long as you dont let your diagnosis control your mind and overtake your life, youll be just fine.

In other words, heres the bottom line. Is dating with herpes harder than dating without herpes? To a degree, yes. Does this mean that dating with herpes is hard? No, it doesnt have to be if you approach it properly and dont let it consume you.

How To Bring Up The Topic Of An Sti

So youre calm, in neutral circumstances, and ready to break the news. Do open by letting them know that you respect them, have been enjoying your time together, and have something you want them to know, even if it might be a little awkward.

Dont say you have terrible news. And you dont have to use the blunt, I have herpes, either.

Instead, you could say something like, I test positive for antibodies for HSV-2, which is a type of herpes.

A really great tack that might be easier and less awkward is opening the conversation by asking them if they have been tested or know their STD status. This takes the focus off of you, and onto the both of you as mature adults who care about their sexual health.

This could give you insight into whether they are conscientious with their own sexual health, or give them the nudge to get tested themselves.

Herpes And Dating Herpes Romance Recommendations Romance With Herpes

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Myth: Herpes Is A Rare Condition

First and foremost, make it clear that herpes is a very prevalent virus.

The WHO estimates that 491 million people aged 15-49 have genital herpes worldwide. In the United States alone, the ratio of people with genital herpes is one out of every six aged 14 to 49.

Additionally, two-thirds of the world population under 50 is infected with oral herpes . That equals more than 3.7 billion people!

Despite its prevalence, there is a stigma associated with a herpes infection, probably in large part because it is sexually transmitted and incurable.

Be Upfront Well Before You Have Sex

Dating Someone Who Has Herpes

One of the hardest things about dating with herpes is deciding when to disclose your diagnosis to your partner. Although I generally try not to speak in absolutes, it is always a better idea to do so before you have sex. That way, your partner can make an active choice about what risks they are and are not comfortable taking.

If you wait to tell your partner that you have herpes until after you’ve had sex, the revelation may feel like a betrayal. You will have denied them the opportunity to make an informed decision about risk. You may also have implied that your herpes diagnosis is more important than the other things they find attractive about you.

If someone is really interested in you before you tell them you have herpes, they probably will be afterward as well. It just helps to tell them early. That makes it less likely that they’ll feel exposed and/or betrayed.

How early? You don’t have to do it on the first date. The timing really depends on the people involved. If you’re worried about how your partner might react, talk to them about it in a safe place.

You could bring it up over dinner when you’re getting near the going home together phase. Or you could have the talk while you’re out for a walk, and perhaps a make-out session.

When you do have the talk, it’s best to be straightforward about it. You have nothing to be ashamed of.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Tested For Genital Herpes

If You Have Herpes And Are In A Relationship

If youre in a relationship, youll be working on this together. Communication is essential. Openness and honesty are the key to keeping any relationship healthy and happy. When one partner has Herpes, its important that the partners work together. If the partner with Herpes is aware of their prodrome signs, and if they use barrier protection, there is a better chance that the uninfected partner will remain that way.

A new diagnosis of Herpes can be a shock and with it there may be feelings of anger, fear, betrayal. If your committed partner gave you Herpes, its essential that you talk openly about it. Do not just assume they did it on purpose. Sometimes, people withhold their Genital HSV status for various reasons embarrassment, fear of rejection, ignorance. Many times, people dont even know they have HSV. Or if they do know, they may not know the signs of impending outbreak, or they may mistakenly believe that they cannot transmit it when there are no symptoms.

What Is Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common infection generally transmitted through sexual contact. It is caused by one of two members of a family of viruses which also include the viruses causing chickenpox and shingles, and glandular fever.

Usually, genital herpes is caused by infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 , and studies suggest that in some countries, one in five people are infected with this virus. Genital herpes can also be caused by HSV-1, the virus which usually causes cold sores on the lips and face, through oral/genital contact.

Genital herpes, for most people, is an occasionally recurrent, sometimes painful condition for which effective treatment is now available. Generally, it is not life-threatening and has no long-term repercussions on ones general physical health.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of catching genital herpes, regardless of their gender, race or social class.

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Preparing To Talk To Partner

Before you talk about herpes and sexual health with a partner, make sure you are prepared to address any misinformation or misconceptions he or she might have. How well informed are you? Do you know the basic steps to reduce the risk to your partner? Do you know the facts about herpes? You want to feel confident and knowledgeable before you can explain the infection to someone else. Be prepared with information from ASHA and other reliable sources.

Are Any Other Treatments Effective Against Genital Herpes

Guru Talk: Would You Continue To Date A Person With Herpes?

The antiviral drug Aciclovir was the first therapy which had been shown conclusively to be effective in treating genital herpes. New antiviral drugs have become available which work in a similar way to Aciclovir, are more effective and require less frequent dosing to treat or suppress the recurrence.

These are not available in New Zealand. Recent studies using an HSV-2 vaccine are showing some promise in both the prevention and transmission of HSV-2. However, these are still in the developmental research stage and will not be available commercially for some years.

Many people find that having a healthy diet, eating regularly and getting enough sleep are helpful in preventing recurrences.

Also Check: Does Herpes Ever Go Away On Its Own

If They Had The Talk With You It Means Something

Telling someone that they have herpes is known as The talk. It is easy for some but can be agonizing for most. They thought about how they would tell you. Will you reject them? Will you be upset or angry? Will you tell everybody, including their friends and co-workers? For many people with herpes, these scenarios and how you will respond have gone through their head 100 times or more. It wasnt easy. If someone is telling you that they have herpes, you probably mean something to them.

Realistic And Unrealistic Expectations

People may just need a little time to assimilate the information. This is where having well-written information helps. Consider giving them reading the material or referring them to a Sexual Health Centre, the Herpes Helpline: 0508 11 12 13 or the herpes website www.herpes.org.nz, to verify the information youve given them.

Whatever the reaction, try to be flexible. Remember that it took you time to adjust as well.

Negative reactions are often no more than the result of misinformation. In some cases, they are brought on when a person fears that youre asking them to commit to a relationship, instead of just informing them of the situation. If your partner decides not to pursue a relationship with you simply because you have herpes, its better to find out now. It takes a lot more than the occasional aggravation of herpes to destroy a sound relationship.

Some people react negatively no matter what you say or how you say it. Others might focus more energy on herpes than on the relationship. These people are the exception, not the rule. This is not a reflection on you. You are not responsible for their reaction. If your partner is unable to accept the facts about herpes, encourage him or her to speak with a medical expert or counsellor.

All relationships face challenges, most far tougher than herpes. Good relationships stand and fall on far more important issues including communication, respect and trust.

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What Do I Do If I Find Out I Have Herpes

Its normal to have lots of different feelings after you find out that you have herpes. You might feel mad, embarrassed, ashamed, or upset at first. But youll probably feel a lot better as time goes by, and you see that having herpes doesnt have to be a big deal. People with herpes have relationships and live totally normal lives. There are treatments for herpes, and theres a lot you can do to make sure you dont give herpes to anyone you have sex with.

Millions and millions of people have herpes youre definitely not alone. Most people get at least one STD in their lifetime, and having herpes or another STD is nothing to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about. It doesnt mean youre dirty or a bad person it means youre a normal human who got a really common infection. The reality is that herpes can happen to anybody who has ever been kissed on the lips or had sex thats a LOT of people.

Herpes isnt deadly and it usually doesnt cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely. Even though the virus hangs around in your body for life, it doesnt mean youll be getting sores all the time.

And tell anyone you have sex with that you have herpes. Its not the easiest conversation, but its an important one. Here are some tips:

Your Survival Guide To Dating With Herpes

Why Should I Date Someone With Herpes?  Ella Dawson

Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP

Dating with herpes can be a challenging experience. While the virus is very common , finding out that you have herpes can have a significant effect on your self-esteem and interest in meeting new people.

If youve recently found out that you have herpes, or recently found out you might be considering dating someone with HSV-1 or HSV-2, its vital that you stay positive. With the right combination of medication, conversation and understanding, its still very possible to form and maintain normal romantic relationships.

In this guide, well cover the essentials of dating with herpes, from coming to terms with the fact that you have the virus to disclosing herpes to your partner, educating them about the virus and reducing your risk of transmission.

For the most part, well focus on genital herpes , rather than oral herpes. However, the information provided below is relevant regardless of your herpes infection type.

Also Check: How To Treat Herpes Simplex

Choose The Right Moment

Its good to initiate this conversation when you and your partner are alone and free from distractions. There may not be a perfect time, but some moments are better than others. Avoid times when other major conflicts or stressors are occurring.

Once youre alone and comfortable, broach the subject with your partner. Stay focused and use the following techniques to help you share the information clearly and succinctly.

You Have Already Been Exposed To The Herpes Virus Before Meeting Them

Of course when our partner tells us that they have herpes its normal to freak out and think that youre automatically going to get herpes too. Well heres the thing, youve already been exposed to the herpes virus weather its HSV 1 or HSV 2. people have HSV 1 and people have HSV 2 so theres no way you can go through life and not have been exposed. Youve shared a burger, a cigarette, had a sip of someone’s beer or coca cola. Its just impossible for you to not have come into contact with it.

Remember at the end of the day this person really cares about you and he or she has great integrity. They told you that they have herpes because they felt the importance of disclosing and making sure you have the decision.

If you have more herpes questions, and probably you do, feel free to check out more videos and this blog. Oh and of course, you can reach out with any questions.

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Send The Message Before You Have Sex

The conversation needs to happen before having sex and hopefully not in the heat of the moment. Alexandra Harbushka, founder of Life With Herpes and spokesperson for Meet People With Herpes, says a great way to lead with the topic is talking about both parties sexual health, and insisting that you both get tested.

How Long Will I Need To Take The Treatment

Talking Herpes with Charles Ebel

Many people who use suppressive therapy say that they get so used to taking the tablets or capsules they are happy to continue with the treatment.

If you choose suppressive therapy, you do not have to stay on it permanently. If you prefer, you can take it until you feel in control of the herpes infection, but this is usually a period of 6-12 months initially. Your doctor may suggest you stop the suppressive therapy for several months after you have taken suppressive therapy for some time, in order to assess how active your genital herpes remains. If you are still having problems with herpes recurrences, you and your doctor may then decide that you should start suppressive therapy again.

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They May Not Want To Date You Without Herpes

Some people prefer to date others with herpes because there is less pressure and What ifs involved. Maybe they were just hoping you had it, too. It happens more than you think. In this case, it isnt you, it is them. For real, this time. Nowadays, it is much easier to meet people with herpes thanks to the internet. They may feel that it will always be in the back of your mind or they would feel horrible if they gave it to you. So, they just choose to date others in a similar situation.

The reality of herpes is that anybody who has sex, protected or not, can get it. It doesnt matter what gender, age or profession you have. It does not discriminate. If someone you are interested in has it, hear them out and maybe give them a chance. The decision is ultimately up to you. Love isnt easy to find in todays world but they say that there is someone for everyone. That someone could have just told you, I have herpes.

Until next time, stay awesome!Team HWerks

When Should I Tell My Partner I Have Genital Herpes

When it comes to dating with herpes, the first question youmight ask yourself is, When is it a good time to tell my partner?

Ultimately, its up to you to decide exactly when you want to tell your partner that you have an STI, but one things for certain: Tell him or her before you two have any sexual contact. Its just common sense. If you think you might have an STI, its absolutely your responsibility to tell your partner , prior to being intimate, in order to reduce the chances that youll spread it. You might be dreading telling your partner that you have herpes, but its much better than telling your partner that he or she might have herpes.

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If You Have Herpes And Are Not In A Relationship

If youre not in a committed relationship, or just recently broken up, youll be working on this yourself, and it becomes even more important to surround yourself with others who support and care for you. Once youve come to terms with the infection and learned to manage both the physical and the emotional aspects, you may be thinking about getting back into a relationship, if youre not already in one. This can be a tricky and vulnerable time, as you open your heart to another person and face the inevitable conversation about HSV

This is a time to be true to who you are, continue to maintain your self-esteem through personal development, and stay on track with your health and energy practices. Remember that Love is not determined by a virus that someone has! Living with Herpes is not as difficult as many people think. There are many millions of people and couples whove dealt with this situation successfully. Often, the most challenging aspect is overcoming the social beliefs and stigma perpetuated by the media.

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