Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Shuvani Sanyal, MD
Basic, Educational Info about HSV2
- Is there a difference between cold sores and genital herpes? How the HSV1 and HSV2 strains are different from one another and the similarities they share.
- How many outbreaks/physical symptoms should you expect if you have HSV2 genitally, HSV2 orally, HSV1 genitally, or HSV1 orally, and what impacts outbreaks.
- Your risk of transmitting herpes based on the strain, how asymptomatic shedding increases ones risk, and a prior infection with cold sores might help…
- Scenarios related to herpes transmission, risk of contracting herpes based on contact with HSV1 or HSV2 and how the risk reduces when previously exposed.
- An in-depth look into the fear surrounding genital HSV and the realities of living with it.
- An in-depth look into the fear surrounding genital HSV and the realities of living with it.
From the The STI Project’s Executive Director, Jenelle Marie
- The STI Project’s admin, Jenelle Marie, talks about finding out for the first time that her genital HSV is herpes simplex type 2.
Reader’s Perspectives
- The first STD interview about living with herpes – from a male’s perspective – relationships, self-image, and general outlook on life 8 years after.
- An STD Interview with a 20 yr. old woman who’s previously contracted Chlamydia and was recently diagnosed with HSV2.
- A man with HSV2 talks about living with herpes – ‘This is my life now; so, I can either give in to the fear and hide alone – OR – I can face my fear…’
- A 21 year old woman with herpes type 2 talks about how the doctor who diagnosed her made her feel alienated and how she’s still struggling with intense shame.
- A 21-year-old woman with HSV2: genital herpes talks about her experience with an STD and how her status does not define who she is or her character.
- A recently diagnosed university graduate talks about how her genital herpes version 2.0 diagnosis has inspired her to reflect upon her past and to accept herself.
- At 29 and diagnosed almost 5 years ago with HSV2, this PhD student is still learning to navigate the anxiety that accompanies dating with an STD.
- From feeling alone with a new diagnosis to a successful 1st talk with a partner, this RN has experienced the gamut of emotions an HSV2 diagnosis brings.
- At 15 years old and in love with her current boyfriend, this high school sophomore has a better outlook on life after being diagnosed with HSV2.
- Effervescent and uplifting, this 20 year old is taking HSV2 ‘by the balls’ – choosing to see her infection as a blessing and thinks you should too.
- A full-time student writes about contracting HSV2 after having sex for the first time, feeling utterly lost and replaying ‘what-if’ scenarios over in her head.
- A 21 year old bartender writes about living with HSV2 and how her mother has told prospective partners while her sister pushes partner notification
- Overcoming years of shame after being molested as a child, a 55-year-old woman finds herself again full of shame, depressed, and lonely with HSV2
- A 33-year-old technical writer and project manager writes about dating with HSV2 and how her current partner is too nervous about HSV to engage in foreplay
- A 33-year-old diagnosed with HSV2 – 2 1/2 years ago – writes about the intense embarrassment she feels and her fear of dating with an STD
- A 32-year-old Ivy League graduate and corporate attorney talks about the shock of being diagnosed with HSV2 and how her partner has stopped talking to her
- A 25-year-old healthcare worker talks about being in denial after testing positive for HSV2 and her fear of rejection if/when she has to tell new partners
- A 33-year-old women with HSV2 talks about how dating with an STD is the hardest part about living with herpes, and she wishes she could go back in time
- A 21-year-old full-time college student talks about contracting chlamydia and living with HSV2 and HPV in her 2nd interview with The STI Project
- A 23-year-old college graduate writes about what it’s like to live with HSV2, telling her current partner, and the rejection she’s experienced because of it
- A 32-year-old public affairs lobbyist writes about how HSV2 has caused her to lose her confidence and why she’s worried about her career
- A 22-year-old college student writes about contracting HSV2 after a one night stand in Vegas and how she is scared she is going to be forever alone
These posts and pages are updated frequently. Should you have a suggestion for us on improving them or including something you had hoped to find here, please do not hesitate to contact us via the contact form. We love suggestions and find external input to be our best resource in making The STI Project a high quality reference tool for those who have or think they might have contracted a sexually transmitted infection or disease, those who are living with a sexually transmitted infection or disease, and those who love someone with a sexually transmitted infection or disease.
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