If you were recently diagnosed with herpes, it is only normal that you will feel confused, scared, and even embarrassed with a sense of guilt and shame. However, there is no need to panic because this condition is actually manageable. This means that you can engage in a normal life with a good and pleasant relationship. In fact, millions of herpes people do exactly just that.
Right after diagnosis, people usually feel a great deal of anger and shame. They might also feel sad and afraid thinking that they cannot be with anyone in the future. For the longest time, a stigma has been associated with sexually transmitted diseases and infections such as herpes.
Studies revealed that the biggest fear among herpes people is the fear that they will pass on the condition to their partner. There is also the fear of discussing about their disease every time they enter a new relationship.
However, experts in herpes stress that this illness is actually quite common. This is the reason why the stigma surrounding the illness will probably fade in time.
Most adults with several partners in life will end up with a type of sexually transmitted infection or disease, whether it is herpes or other types of human papillomavirus.
Herpes is almost always not a life-threatening condition although it might have several long term health effects on most people. This is the reason why it can be best considered as a kind of inconvenience. However, it only makes sense to be responsible enough when dealing with it.
There are several tips you can follow to stay calm as you deal with herpes and find the support you need:
- Before you talk about herpes with a potential partner, make sure you personally know all the facts first. You have to educate yourself as much as possible as this is the secret to help your partner or potential partner to learn and understand the condition through and through. After all, knowledge is still power and this can offer support to your emotional power. Herpes has significant psychological overlay but it can be reduced when you have enough knowledge about the condition.
- Consult a medical professional. The best way of setting your facts straight is by speaking with a doctor or healthcare practitioner. While you can conduct online research to get general background information about herpes, it can make a big difference if you can talk to a medical professional. The doctor will be empathetic and inform you of what is really happening to you. In case you don’t have a doctor yet, you can always visit the community health center or Planned Parenthood center in your area. You can look for free or low-cost healthcare at these places based on your income.
- Don’t forget that people experience herpes differently. The specific steps you have to take for protecting your personal health and that of your sex partner will depend on your circumstances, habits, and lifestyle in general. Sexually active persons with several partners will take different steps from those who have a monogamous long-term relationship.
Having herpes doesn’t mean that it is the end of the world for you. You can always engage in a relationship and find the support you need.
