One of the most devastating things that can occur in a dating relationship - is finding out that your new boyfriend or girlfriend has given you a sexually transmitted disease. Perhaps you thought that you did everything "right". You waited until you were in a monogamous relationship, you may have even gone to your doctor and had an HIV/AIDS test to make sure that you were both in top sexual health.
So imagine your surprise when you wake up one morning with to urinate and only to experience an intense burning sensation. It's a pain like no other pain you've ever had - you examine your genitals and notice several open sores. A sexually transmitted disease is the last thing on your mind; perhaps you are having an allergic reaction to a lubricant? Maybe it's the new laundry soap you're trying out? Either way - you decide to visit your doctor just to be certain. Within a few days you receive the most startling and shocking news - what you thought was a simple allergic reaction is in fact, genital herpes.
Of course, you immediately confront your significant other who admits that while they knew they carried the herpes virus, they thought it was no "big deal". Heartbroken, and suffering from a life long incurable disease - you end the relationship. Of all the things going through your mind at that very moment, the future of your dating and love life are likely at the top of your list. How can I ever date again? Who will want me like this? Those are just a few of the questions you're asking yourself.
Unlike most other STD's - herpes, be it genital or oral - can be passed on even when you use protection one hundred percent of the time. The herpes simplex virus when dormant, is found in the nervous system - either at the base of the spine, for genital herpes - or in the neck area - which causes oral herpes. When activated, the virus travels through the nervous system and surfaces at the skin level. Oral herpes can show anywhere on the face and genital herpes can manifest anywhere below the waist. It is passed along via skin to skin contact. Though sometimes considered a sexually transmitted disease, many in the medical community view it as a dermatological occurrence. This is the reason why the virus is so widespread, and why condoms don't protect you.
How you proceed with your dating and love life will largely be up to your comfort level with your condition. Disclosing yourself as a carrier of the herpes virus may be something that you aren't willing to at any point. An estimated 80% of the adult population in the US has been exposed to or are carriers of herpes type 1, with nearly 35% being carriers of type 2, despite these numbers - herpes is still pretty taboo. While there are some with herpes who have no problems exposing themselves to the general population, there are just as many - if not more - who prefer not to.
You don't want herpes - no one does, but it is important for you to know that you are not alone. The Internet has been a life saver for many sufferers of the virus. You're dating options are as close as the tips of your fingers with the numerous herpes dating websites available.
Have you struggled with relationships since being diagnosed with genital herpes? Herpes doesn't signal the end of your love life. As managing editor of YouGotHerpes.com, I give practical tips and advice on how to have a fulfilling and meaningful love life after herpes.
Visit us today for your FREE E-BOOK on The Truth About Herpes Treatments and For the best tips on dating with herpes, visit us today at Herpes Dating Sites
Yours In Health & Wellness!
