Living with Genital Herpes
So you've been diagnosed and you're wondering what living with genital herpes is all about? There is no doubt that a herpes diagnosis changes your life. Physically it can be uncomfortable, painful and inconvenient. What people often struggle most with however, is the devastating emotional implications of living with an incurable sexually transmitted infection. There is the social stigma to consider and the responsibility to protect future sexual partners from transmission. That said, genital herpes doesn't have to be a 'badge of dishonour'. It is a condition caused by a virus - a virus that millions of people have. Like any other virus, it doesn't make judgments about your character before taking up residence. Genital herpes usually doesn't cause any serious health problems and can be managed. (People with immune system deficiencies are an exception, as are infants.) When you're feeling hopeless, you need to remind yourself that there are a number of highly effective treatments available and that symptoms typically lessen in frequency and severity over time.
Your Emotional JourneyEmotionally, the most challenging time is often when you're waiting for a confirmation that you have actually been infected with the virus. You may alternate between utter despair and feelings of hope that your symptoms are the result of a different condition. You may feel depressed and fearful, especially if you don't have a lot of information about herpes.Once it is confirmed that you have herpes through undeniable symptoms such as weeping blisters on your genital area or through the outcome of testing, you embark on a rollercoaster ride towards eventual acceptance. You may experience a sense of guilt or deep feelings of shame. It is also normal to be very angry at the person who infected you or at yourself for whatever you did or didn't do to find yourself in this predicament. It is also possible that you may wonder if life is still worth living and even have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Now is the time to be really kind to yourself and to give yourself whatever is needed to process the implications. It helps to remind yourself that herpes may be something that you have, but it is not who you are. All things considered, in the world of sexually transmitted infections, one could do a lot worse than to contract genital herpes. Besides, you can't change the fact that you have it. Living with genital herpes is just about managing it intelligently.
Managing Genital Herpes in WomenGenital herpes in women can be managed well with a common-sense approach.1. Make sure to get good quality information about the herpes virus, living with genital herpes and managing it in the best way possible. Knowledge is power. My page on genital herpes info is a good place to start. 2. Do whatever is needed to emotionally process the fact that you have genital herpes. Talk about it to a friend, write about it in your journal, or get help from a therapist if you find your feelings are overwhelming. 3. Discuss the implications of genital herpes openly with your intimate partner and prepare yourself for discussing it with future sexual partners. Read Tina's story, as well as tips on telling a new partner for a simple script. 4. Find a healthcare provider that you like and trust. Be up to speed with best practice treatment options. 5. Join a support group or forum. There are excellent websites online where you have the opportunity to discuss what you're going through with others who are in the same position as you. You can also find practical answers to questions that health care providers can't always give you. 6. Learn to manage stress. Simple changes in your lifestyle may help reduce the amount of stress you are feeling, which may in turn help to reduce the frequency of your outbreaks. 7. Prevent the spread of the virus. Reasonable personal hygiene is all that is necessary to protect your family from the herpes virus. It may be wise to avoid sharing bath towels if you have genital herpes symptoms. Washing towels, underwear, and other intimate articles with regular soap or detergent will effectively kill the herpes virus. Avoid touching herpes sores or other physical signs of genital herpes and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after contact with the physical genital herpes lesions. It helps to remember that you're not alone. Millions of people manage their symptoms well. You can too. living with genital herpes (From Living with Genital Herpes) (Back to Safe Sex) (Back to Better Sex Home Page)
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