Throwaway account.

So, I’ve been lurking this sub for more than 9 months now, and I feel that this is one of the only reasonable, reliable, no-bullshit sources for dating and other women’s issues. I’m so thankful to have found you all!

Here’s the deal: I am in my late twenties and was diagnosed with HSV-2 (genital herpes) over a year ago.

For those who know little about HSV-2, it’s an incredibly common (but incurable) STD. I’m talking 1 in 7 or more adults in the USA may have it. Symptoms vary from a few skin rash breakouts per year, to no symptoms at all depending on the individual. It can be treated and outbreaks are prevented with antiviral medication which is very cheap and has few side effects.

Other than the annoying symptoms occasionally, herpes doesn’t commonly cause any major medical issues. I only had symptoms right after I was infected, and after that they went away completely. No one knows about my diagnosis besides the person who gave it to me, and my doctor. Herpes cannot be 100% prevented with condoms and medication, but the likelihood of transmission goes down with those safeguards.

I don’t want to waste too much breath on the many details, so if you want to know more, please search with reliable sources like the CDC website.

We all see the stigmas that society places on people (especially women) like me. And it’s been a hard process to work through my emotions around this diagnosis. I’m still trying to figure out my path forward when it comes to dating and love (it goes without question that my HSV must be disclosed to any potential sexual partner beforehand). I have a stable, fulfilling career, great friends, etc, but I don’t want to lower my dating standards due to herpes. Literally nothing else in my life is effected by this.

I’m in a complicated spot here, and would appreciate your thoughts on how you would handle things. HSV is an incredibly common secret that so many of us keep... has anyone else here faced this? I would like to get married one day (on the fence about kids) and would certainly value a life partner. What would you do if you were me?

I’m sure I’ll get a bunch of insane DMs from the dipshit men who lurk this sub, but here I am.