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 – STI 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 – STI 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 – STI 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 – STI 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 – STI 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 […]
HSV2 – Going to be Forever Alone – STI Interviews
The number one concern we hear when someone is first diagnosed is that they’ll never find a partner who’s willing to accept that they have a long-term infection. While we never say never here at The STI Project, that fear is not at all unfounded. Getting diagnosed with an STI – in this case, HSV2 […]
HSV2 – I Have Lost My Confidence – STI Interviews
Interestingly, STI stigma – and in this case, HSV2 stigma – often transcends intimate relationships and can trickle into one’s public, professional, and social personas. Contracting an infection carries such immense shame that it can deteriorate confidence in all facets of life, not just the intimate ones. As this interviewee points out, she’s not only […]
