Living with Genital Herpes – STD Interviews

Our most recent STD Interview is a submission which addresses living with genital herpes. It’s not easy to share one’s story – and it’s especially difficult to do it openly or with your photo attached. This interviewee wanted to take a stand with us, and she thought ‘coming out’ would be the best way for her to do that.

Cheers to your bravery and thanks so much for your contribution! Your story will go a long way in helping others to know they are not alone!

1. How old are you?

I am 33 years young.

2. What do you do for a living?

I am a stay at home Super-Mom.  :)

3. What STD do you have/have you had?

Genital herpes

4. How long have you had or known you have an STD?

I contracted herpes in 2001.

5. Do you know how you contracted this STD?

Yes, I do, and in a way, it was my choice.

6. How has your life changed since you contracted an STD?

N/A  (See answer to #12)

7. Do the people who know you have an STD treat you differently than they treated you before they knew?

Surprisingly no.

The few people I told were very accepting and treated me the exact same as they had beforehand.

8. Are you currently under treatment for your STD? If so, please share whether you have explored prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or holistic and natural approaches.

Not at the moment. When I was pregnant with my son, I took prescription medication so I wouldn’t pass the virus to him during birth.

I would like to take medication to prevent outbreaks though.

9. Has having an STD hindered past relationships?

Not at all.

Both men I’ve been with since contracting herpes have been very understanding. The only issue I’ve had is not being able to have any sexual contact during outbreaks.

10. Do you have a significant other? If so, how has this STD affected your partner?

Yes, I do have a fiance’.

Unfortunately, he also contracted herpes but he’s ok with that. He loves me no matter what.

11. Have you been sexually active with someone since contracting an STD whom you did not tell you had an STD?

No.

I’ve been in 2 relationships since contracting herpes, and I made sure they both knew before things got serious. I wanted to make sure they were ok with possibly getting herpes.

12. How have you changed as a result of contracting an STD?

Honestly, I haven’t changed much at all.

I believe having an STD has made me more empathetic towards others who have contracted an STD and made me understand their situations a little better.

13. Why are you choosing to participate in this interview and/or is there anything else you would like to share with The STD Project?

I decided to participate in the STD project because I believe the more personal stories we share the less of a taboo STD’s will become.

A lot of people think that someone with an STD is ‘dirty’ or ‘slutty’ and that’s simply not true.

ANYONE can get an STD.

I want to make people more aware of STD’s so together we can eradicate the stigma.

Peace and love to all.

How did this interview make you feel? Do you feel similarly or did this inspire you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

More On This:

• STD? What Now? Your Ultimate Reference Guide
• Information about Herpes
• Would you like to share your STD story?
• Would you like to read other STD Interviews?
• Are you looking for STD Resources?
• STDs and Relationships