Submitted anonymously via the contact form, this interview highlights how an STD diagnosis, namely, HSV1, can be a blessing in disguise. While the stigma associated with contracting an STD is definitely no Saturday morning walk in the park, it seems that, upon diagnosis, an individual almost always finds themselves doing some much needed personal reflection. […]
HSV2 – Don’t Waste Time Being Depressed – STI Interviews
This reader, having initially submitted her interview via the contact form, was so inspired by her experience, she wrote a rhetorical essay about STD stigma for her college English class as well. She’s also allowing us to post her essay as part of The STI Project, and we’re stoked! We’ll be showcasing her work in […]
HSV1 – You Can Still Get Married – STI Interviews
Submitted anonymously via the contact form, this interview highlights one of the most common concerns we hear after a person is diagnosed: Now, I’ll never be able to get married. A common misconception, albeit, an understandable one considering all of the negative stigma associated with an STD, is that an STD – any kind – […]
Post Molluscum Contagiosum – After the STD Interview
Of the many messages we receive from our readers, there’s one type we never tire of, and that’s a success story. A little over a year ago, this reader reached out anonymously via the contact form and shared her STD Interview with us. Recently, she sent a follow-up message to let us know the molluscum contagiosum she […]
Herpes – I Don’t Judge Anymore – STI Interviews
Of all the negative things that often accompany an STD diagnosis, there’s one positive gain that seems to hold true for nearly all of those affected: empathy. While I can think of a number of more desirable ways to attain empathy or the ability to understand how someone else might be feeling, it’s an inevitable […]
HSV2 at 15 Years Old – A Better Outlook – STI Interviews
High school is tough enough as it is – a dysfunctional right of passage, if you will – then couple that with contracting a taboo infection, and it’s no wonder so many teens find themselves struggling to build confidence or an identity not already embroiled in socially delegated stigma. I was one of those teens, […]
Dealing with Multiple STDs and Depression – STI Interviews
On first read, it might seem improbable someone could contract more than one STD at a time, but the reality is it’s quite common. Remember, once someone has contracted one infection, they are at a higher risk of contracting additional infections. Couple that with the inability to test for all STDs and how often they […]
HSV2 & Chlamydia – I’m Feeling Pretty Alone – STI Interviews
From our initial email exchange as a result of her anonymous submission via the contact form to the interviewee’s follow-up message describing ‘The Talk’ she had with a new beau, this reader experienced the full range of emotions that often accompanies an STD diagnosis. What’s more, from being alone literally and figuratively after her late […]
