Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH
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 never share defining characteristics, names, or details in the interviews we post. So, you’re good to go. We hope writing this was a catalyst for you and that putting your thoughts onto virtual paper helped move you through the acceptance process.
Lastly, thank you for being honest, authentic in your journey, and for sharing it so that others know they’re not alone. You rock.
1. How old are you?
26 years old
2. What do you do for a living?
I am a student who works part time.
3. What STI/STD do you have/have you had?
HSV2
4. How long have you had or known you have an STI/STD?
For about 6 years
5. Do you know how you contracted this STI/STD?
Yes, from an ex-boyfriend who claims he didn’t know he had it.
6. How has your life changed since you contracted an STI/STD?
It actually hasn’t changed much other than my self-perception.
I was devastated when I found out.
I have moved past that feeling but still feel the shame.
7. Do the people who know you have an STI/STD treat you differently than they treated you before they knew?
I have yet to tell anyone. I don’t think they would treat me differently, but it’s not something I want to discuss.
8. Are you currently under treatment for your STI/STD? If so, please share whether you have explored prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or holistic and natural approaches.
I have been prescribed Valtrex, which I only take when I feel an outbreak coming on.
9. Has having an STI/STD hindered past relationships?
My ex and I struggled with it, especially in the beginning. There was some resentment because of the fact that he passed it on to me. We eventually moved on from the issue, but it was difficult.
10. Do you have a significant other? If so, how has this STI/STD affected your partner?
I do not have a significant other – yet.
11. Have you been sexually active with someone since contracting an STI/STD whom you did not tell you had an STI/STD?
Unfortunately, yes.
I was so ashamed and scared of the potential rejection that I made a selfish decision. We always used protection, but I know it doesn’t excuse my behavior. I realize how wrong I was in that decision and have vowed to never repeat that mistake.
12. How have you changed as a result of contracting an STI/STD?
I think that after so many years, I am truly starting to accept my condition and realize that it doesn’t define me. I am much more accepting of the curve balls life throws.
13. Why are you choosing to participate in this interview and/or is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I am choosing to participate because I believe others are feeling the same overwhelming emotions I have. It’s difficult to deal with, but it’s possible.
It’s not about having a perfect life but having the resiliency to make your life what you want it to be. No personal info is used, right? No names? I am taking baby steps in accepting and dealing with this!
Thanks for your site and inspiring information and interviews; they helped more in a couple of weeks than anything else has in the past few years.
Can you relate to this interviewee? Did it help you to read someone else’s story? Have you experienced something similar or do you have some feedback to share with this individual? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
