You went in to have some tests done, you got the results and you have now been diagnosed as to having genital herpes. Now what? Is your whole life going to change? How about dating with herpes? Is your life now in ruins?
Well, let me tell you upfront: it’s not. Herpes, regardless of the usual notion, isn’t a big life-changer. Sure, you would have to do some adjustments in your lifestyle, especially with your dating life, but aside from that, life goes on. You’d still be as normal as you currently are.
But I’m sure that you still have a lot of questions in your mind right now about what genital herpes really is, what causes it, how to cure and many more. And most importantly, you want to learn more about dating with herpes.
Receiving The News
It may have just been hours, days or months since you discovered that you have contracted one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) in our population today.
I understand if you are upset or even angry (with the person who gave it to you!) or just plain confused. Regardless, the first thing that you need to do is to find as much information as you can about this problem.
Once you learn all about the basics of herpes, you’ll soon find that it doesn’t have to be a big problem for you, in the first place and how it doesn’t have to affect your dating life in any way.
What General Herpes Is
If you’re one to take refuge in numbers, I think you would want to know that data from the American Social Health Association (ASHA) shows that 50 to 80% of adults in the US alone have genital herpes. And the number goes up to 90% for adults aged 50 and above.
Now, to give you a clearer idea as to how common herpes are, ASHA statistics also show that 1 out of every 5 persons in the US has herpes. Most people get this as a children by receiving a friend or relatives kiss! That’s how common herpes is. You really don’t have to feel bad.
Causes, Effects & Treatment
Herpes can also be transmitted in a number of ways: sexual intercourse, oral sex, skin-to-skin contact (open or fresh wounds), dirty toilets, bath tubs or towels.
Generally, unless it’s very severe already, you won’t really even notice that you have herpes. But a person with herpes will usually experience bouts of flu-like symptoms. This would include fever and having swollen glands. Some people would also suffer from headaches, painful urination and blisters.
Herpes is also known as the STD that only “attacks” on a certain time. You won’t feel its effects daily but there would be some periods when the effects are more felt than usual. This is usually called an outbreak or a period.
Now, the sad thing about herpes is that it is something that does not have any treatment- well, none yet. But there are many antiviral medications that can shorten and prevent herpes outbreaks.
Dating With Herpes
Your dating and personal life does not really have to change when you find out that you have herpes. As long as you keep an open line of communication with your partner, dating with herpes does not have to be that different.
For people with herpes, honesty is key. If you are still active in the dating scene, before you take your relationship to the next level, you must inform your partner first that you have herpes.
Dating with herpes can also be made easier if you join different herpes or std online dating sites that cater specifically for people who have the same condition. That link takes you to a site we’ve researched and stands out above any other we’ve considered.
If you already are in a relationship, you should let that person know right away about your condition. It is best for both of you to find out if the other person has herpes too so all your efforts to inhibit the effects of your STD won’t be put in vain.
I hope this has been of some help,
Billy Baker
