HSV-2
We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey - Kenji Miyazawa

image by: The penny for your thoughts campaign. A fight for herpes awareness
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Just Diagnosed
It’s tough, lonely, and it feels like your whole world has crashed down on you from one moment to the next. Feeling ashamed is normal when it comes to coping with this. When you’ve spent almost your whole life being told that STDs are THE WORST THING EVER (tm) and that only “whores”, “sluts”, and low-class people get them, it’s tough not to internalize it. And then when you get your own diagnosis, it can feel like you’re suddenly one of those undesirables that no one wants to be with because again, STDs are THE WORST THING EVER (tm).
The good thing is that none of this is true. Herpes, like every other STD, is just something that is passed through sex and it’s just doing what it’s…
Resources
Here’s Why Doctors Don’t Usually Test for Herpes
It’s basically a SELF mantra at this point: Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is hella important. Is it the most delightful way to spend your time? No. Is it a vital part of looking after your health, sexual and otherwise? Absolutely. When you go in for routine STI testing, you might realize that your doctor doesn’t test you for herpes. What’s that about? As it turns out, testing for herpes isn’t as straightforward as testing for something like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
The Oral and Genital Herpes Viruses Are Having 'Sex.' The Result Is Worrisome.
There's a lot more "sex" going on between the oral and genital herpes viruses than scientists previously thought, according to a new study. The study... found that the two herpes simplex viruses — known as HSV-1 and HSV-2 — mix their genetic material together, or "recombine," more often than thought. (HSV-1 classically causes oral infections and HSV-2 causes genital infections.)
Everything You Need to Know About Herpes and Sex
Herpes infects more people worldwide than any other sexually transmitted infection—and it spreads through a simple equation: One partner has the virus. Another partner doesn't. Any sexual contact between the two can infect the uninfected.
Difference Between Genital Herpes & Genital Warts
Although they both affect the genitals and are transmitted through sexual contact, genital herpes and genital warts are two very different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Herpes 'Isolates People,' But A Vaccine May Be On The Way
"We should have a vaccine for the disease, given its prevalence," he said. Globally, a staggering 500 million people carry the virus, though only about 40 million have chronic symptoms. "For people who have [herpes], it can devastate their lives: It cuts into people's ability to have sexual relationships... It isolates people."
Teens Now More Likely To Get Genital Herpes Because They Didn't Get Cold Sores As Kids
Kids these days! Strangely enough, they are less likely to have been exposed to herpes simplex virus type 1 in early childhood, according to a new study. That means they don't get cold sores as elementary schoolers, but it also means when they become sexually active, they don't have immunity to help protect them against the virus in… other regions of their bodies.
The strongest herpes support group is on Tumblr
You feel a burning and tingling sensation and notice uncomfortable bumps on your skin. Where do you turn? Friends might gossip. Lovers might freak. WebMD might leap to cancer. Yahoo! Answers is written by 12 year olds. Googling around will just give the NSA something to laugh at. If you think you have herpes, your best bet (before a doctor or STD clinic) might just be Tumblr.
What It Feels Like to Give Your Partner Herpes
Many people will tell you it's the stigma, not the disease itself, that's most painful. In becoming knowingly herpes-positive, not only does one have to come to terms with being a person that society has erroneously categorized as "bad," but one also has to contend with one's ability to pass it on. It's a burden most people would rather live without.
Just Diagnosed
The good thing is that none of this is true. Herpes, like every other STD, is just something that is passed through sex and it’s just doing what it’s designed to do. You didn’t do anything wrong by having sex and the universe isn’t trying to punish you.
10 Myths About Herpes That Are Totally False
False rumors about herpes can be as contagious as, well, a virus. While most people know that it's a common sexually transmitted infection, many don’t understand what the herpes virus is, how people get it, and how they can protect themselves.
5 Myths about Herpes, Busted
This virus may be super-common, but there's still a lot most folks don't know about it.
Top Tips for Pregnant Women with Herpes Simplex Virus
Midwife & leading women’s health expert, Elizabeth Stein CNM, MSN, MPH of Ask Your Midwife (http://www.AskYourMidwife.com), sheds light on this infection and explains what pregnant women with herpes can do to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth.
Earth, Wind and Herpes
Hi! I'm a 25 year old city girl who was diagnosed with HSV2 (aka genital herpes) four years ago but who refuses to give up on the idea of love (and really good sex) despite it. I'm on a journey of self-acceptance, self-love and self-discovery.
Happy with Herpes
There are lots of things on this blog to help you find happiness, health, and love with Herpes. Loads of success stories from other people, plus some personal stuff about me and what I'm doing. Happy reading!
Herpes Opportunity
Welcome to the Herpes Opportunity Support Forum, a supportive and positive group of people to help you discover and live your Opportunity. Together, we can shed the shame and embrace vulnerability and true connection. Because who you are is more important than what you have ...
Herpes Viruses Association
Genital herpes? It's not what you think. It is misunderstood. But having it is normal. We help people to get the facts straight.
Pink Tent
Pink Tent™ is a virtual community for YOU! A gathering of mothers, friends, and sisters dedicated to supporting women living with herpes and helping them to live, love and thrive.
GenitalHerpesTreatment.co
It will just take 5 minutes to read this research report. By the end of 5 minutes you will know how to eliminate outbreaks caused by Herpes Simplex Virus using effective treatments that provide results fast.
CDC
Genital herpes is a common STD, and most people with genital herpes infection do not know they have it.
Getting Genital Herpes from Oral Herpes & Vice Versa
HSV-2 is usually the strain of herpes responsible for causing genital herpes, but genital cases caused by HSV-1 are becoming more common as oral sex is becoming less taboo. Approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population older than the age of 13 has genital herpes. Genital herpes is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex, however, an individual with genital herpes can spread it to their partner’s mouth, causing them to contract oral herpes.
Patient
Genital herpes is usually a sexually transmitted infection. Many people infected with this virus never have symptoms, but can still pass on the infection to others. If symptoms occur, they can range from a mild soreness to painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area.
TeenSource.org
Herpes is an infection caused by a virus, either Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) or Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2.) Although most Genital Herpes infections are caused by HSV-2 and most Oral Herpes infections are caused by HSV-1, we now know that either virus, Type 1 or Type 2 can cause blisters or sores known as Genital Herpes.
The Overblown Stigma of Genital Herpes
For many people living with this common disease, the most debilitating symptoms are shame and isolation.
UpToDate
Being diagnosed with genital herpes can be an emotional and distressing experience, and it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about how to manage symptoms and avoid passing the virus to sexual partners. Counseling and support groups can also be beneficial to individuals living with genital herpes infection.

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