Most folks assume that when they ask for STD testing they are being tested for everything. That’s not actually possible, but they don’t know that. Then when they’re diagnosed with an infection, they are shocked and left scrambling for answers, because they weren’t told that they could only be tested for a few of the […]
HSV2 – I Never Told Him He Gave it to Me – STD Interviews
One of the first questions interviewers ask me is if I know from whom I contracted herpes – HSV2, for me. And the answer is always the same, “No, I don’t, because when I was diagnosed, I had already been sexually active with more than one person, and I was too afraid of asking the […]
Herpes – Showing that Vulnerability Can be Difficult – STD Interviews
Telling someone new that you have a long-term STI, in this case, herpes, can feel like the most raw of conversations you could have with a potential partner. That conversation doesn’t necessarily get easier as time passes; rather, you get better at delivering the message. Even so, inherently, you’re always going to be worried that […]
HSV1 – I Don’t Think the Conversation Gets Easier – STD Interviews
Quite frankly, interviewee, after 16 years of living with HSV (HSV2 for me, HSV1 for you), I think you’re right – the conversation sucks all day errrr day. I’ve had it so many times, I can’t even count without some effort, but I still feel the same dread, trepidation, and overwhelming fear I did when […]
HSV2 – It’s Not Something I Want to Discuss – STD Interviews
First, your story about living with HSV2 is safe with us, interviewee. And you’re so very welcome; we can’t eloquently explain how important it is to us to learn that we’ve been able to help and that reading others’ stories has been cathartic for you. Messages like yours keep us keepin’ on! Also, we definitely […]
Genital Warts, High Risk HPV, HSV2 – Just a Skin Condition – STD Interviews
Naturally, when anyone is first diagnosed with HPV or HSV2, their first thought usually centers around how they contracted the infection, with the second most common thought following shortly thereafter: who is going to want to date me now that I have a long-term infection? While some people will choose to date someone else, there […]
Chlamydia – It’s Opened My Eyes – STD Interviews
STDs – in this case, chlamydia – do not discriminate against race, gender, age, or class; they happen to everyone, and usually, unexpectedly. Sometimes, they’re the result of a partner being unfaithful, sometimes they happen in long-term committed relationships, they even happen to folks who consistently and correctly practice safer sex. If you’re sexually active, […]
Chlamydia & Herpes – I Never Used Condoms – STD Interviews
The refreshing part about interviewing people who have contracted an STI is everyone’s perspective is unique. This interview illustrates that contracting an STI – chlamydia and herpes, specifically – doesn’t always result in doom and gloom. Depending on where you’re from, what type of sexual education program you experienced, or how your parents talked about sexual […]
