HERPES - feel embarrassed.

[itiswhatitisxx]

Hi, I've been undergoing numerous health tests recently and I found out at an appointment today I'm positive for herpes - genital.
And that's why I'm currently unwell.
I've had none of the symptoms 'downstairs' more flu like and heavy hollow legs. Is this normal? I'm being treated on the antibiotics they recommend.
I've been with 2 men in 10 years both for long periods of times and neither of them have ever suffered or had it since being with me?

Im obviously shocked as I had no idea, and feel like I'm just a walking STD and I'm dirty. When I spoke to a good friend today she told me I shouldn't tell anyone as it's 'embarrassing'

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

it’s a health issue which can be treated.

some health issues have a stigma but just worry about getting better and what anyone has to say

Your friend is rude would she say that to someone about a Coldsore Glad you are getting effective treatment.

You can’t help it OP, it’s just one of those things. It could happen to anyone and will soon be cleared up.

The idea that herpes or any STD is some sort of moral judgment is entirely ridiculous. Anyone who has had sex with anyone else is at risk, much the same as anyone who goes out in public is at risk of catching a cold. If you're ashamed of having sex then and only then does it make sense to feel ashamed of herpes. Otherwise please don't listen to your friend.

if you have no symptoms on your genitals, how do they know you have it?

I have HSV2 but I get it on my shoulder (which is unusual). It was misdiagnosed as shingles for years till I forced them to swab the rash and that's how I found out.

You shouldn't be on antibiotics for it either - they usually treat it with antivirals? Just want to make sure you have the right end of the stick before you worry about it!

Hi, sexual health worker here!! We get approx 200 calls a day. Half of these calls will be about genital herpes. I cannot stress enough to Devasted patients that this and chlamydia are the most common STI’s although herpes is a skin on skin transmission condition. I have a loved one who has it and sadly it’s changed her. She now suffers anxiety so badly but has a lovely, caring and understanding partner. The thing that pisses me off the most is the ridiculous stigma!! No one blinks an eye if someone has a cold sore on their mouth! It’s because it’s on the genitals people are so weird about it! I’ve had many a patient cry on my shoulder, just because of the stigma, but they ALL go on to have relationships, marriage and babies!! The sad thing is you can have a full STI screening but it won’t pick up herpes unless you are having an active outbreak which we swab. Many private companies claim to do blood tests but these blood tests show positive if all you’ve had is a cold sore on your mouth! Due to it detecting the virus antibodies in the blood. It makes me so sad that this virus which also includes chicken pox and shingles and plain old cold sores (all herpes simplex) are treated with such stigma. It’s time we left this attitude behind for good. Please try and be positive about your life. I think if potential partners don’t want to know you then you’ve had a lucky escape! Wishing you all the best. If you start to suffer regular outbreaks there are very effective antivirals you can obtain from sexual health clinics or can even buy at an online chemist if you’re concerned about privacy. I just wished people knew just how common HSV is x