I Have Herpes

I have herpes

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are diagnosed with genital herpes every day. For 50% of the population this means vaginal herpes and life is forever changed. I wanted to write this article just to assuage any fears you might have about your new diagnosis and sexual status.

This is not the end of the world or your sexual life by any stretch of the imagination. You did not contract vaginal herpes because you did anything wrong, or because you are being punished in any way. This is not your fault. Yes, yes, maybe you made a mistake and maybe you have some regrets about who you slept with and how that all went down in the past few weeks, but that was then and this is now. Time to (wo) man up and get on with it.

If you are in any way experiencing panic, excessive fear or depression, I would recommend that you see a psychologist and/or start anti viral medication right away. If you don't have access or insurance ASHA (http://www.ashastd.org) has a hot line you can call for free, and you can buy generic acyclovir from almost any online pharmacy (try Canada, Australia or the UK). Being on anti viral medication will keep the virus dormant in your body while you adjust to your new identity of being a vaginal herpes carrier. This is not bad, it is just different. Yes, things will be different now. But everything is always changing and it's how we frame these changes in our life that effect their impact on us. It is just a virus. Won't kill you. Won't even really hurt you.

I have had genital herpes for over 20 years. Happy and successful. Made money, got married, have two children. Never passed the virus on to anyone. Yes, I do get outbreaks but not too many and I have a whole pot of treatments to keep them dormant or to make them go away fast. Did I mention I made those children the old fashioned way and had vaginal births with both of them? Don't be afraid.

This hub was written by Nanci Elliott. If you are afraid to say, "I have herpes", or would like more information on vaginal herpes and treatment visit Nanci at her blog http://theherpesblog.com.