Herpes Dating Have to Be Hard

Introduction

Dating is hard. Let alone dating when you have herpes. The stigma surrounding this common STD can make it challenging to find someone who understands what you’re going through and doesn’t judge you. But don’t worry! There are many resources, including dating sites and apps specifically geared toward people with herpes.

 

Herpes is simply a virus

If you’re wondering how Herpes Dating Doesn’t Have To Be Hard, it’s essential to understand that herpes is simply a virus. It does not necessarily indicate promiscuity and should not be viewed as an illness or disease.

Herpes can affect the mouth (oral) or the genitals. It is transmitted through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids during sexual activity or skin-to-skin contact, usually during vaginal sex or anal sex with someone who has Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) or Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2).

HSV-1 is most commonly associated with oral herpes—cold sores around the lips and sometimes inside the mouth—while HSV-2 is most often associated with genital herpes.

However, while herpes itself may be considered more common than we’d like to admit (one in five people aged 14 to 49 are believed to be affected), there are still plenty of myths surrounding it.

The World Health Organization has plenty of resources online with helpful information on how to live safely with herpes.

If you’re interested in dating someone who is living with herpes, the WHO has a list of countries where it is expected, rare, or unknown.

 

Essential as Safe Informed Possible Living Virus

As much as we understand the importance of being safe and protected, it is still essential to be as informed as possible when living with a virus. While condoms are effective at preventing transmission of herpes (when used consistently and correctly), they are not 100% effective. 

 

To Safe From STIs

It is essential to use condoms each time you have sexual intercourse with your partner(s). This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex – each method carries its own risk for spreading disease. Using a condom every time you have sex can significantly reduce your chances of transmitting or contracting an STI such as herpes through sexual contact.

It’s also important to note that even if you use protection during intercourse, herpes can still be transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact (commonly referred to as “skin brushing”).

For example: If someone who has active, visible lesions touches the genitals or anus (not necessarily through clothes) of another person who does not know about their infection status – this could result in transmission! Skin brushing should always be avoided whenever possible so that both parties remain protected from infection throughout their relationship.

 

Internet is Your Friend

It’s the perfect way to meet new people and make friends with similar interests. Many dating sites cater to people with herpes, and they’re a great way of getting to know others with the same condition as you. 

You can find support groups online too, so if you ever feel like talking through your struggles with someone else who’s been there, these are a handy resource. It’s also worth mentioning that some sites will offer advice on dating with herpes — such as how to talk about it with your partner — which could prove helpful if this is something you want or need help with!

 

People Who Have Herpes is Super Helpful

You can talk to people who have herpes. It’s okay, and it might even help

 

• Talking to other people with herpes is one of the most helpful things you can do if you’re struggling with the stigma of having this condition. There are many online communities where people discuss everything from dating to how they feel about their bodies. 

 

These places are also great for finding support if you need it: Many members will be happy to offer advice or allow you to vent anonymously when your family doesn’t understand what it’s like to live with HSV.

 

• If talking on the internet isn’t your thing, try talking with a therapist about how herpes has positively affected your life (yes!). You might learn something new about yourself.

 

Practice Self-Care

When dating someone with herpes, it’s important to remember that you are a fully functioning human being. You have a life and responsibilities outside of your relationship. 

Make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically by getting enough sleep, eating well (and paying attention to what makes your body feel good), exercising regularly, and taking time out.

Find hobbies or activities that bring you joy! Remember that what’s most important is not just your partner but also yourself—feelings of resentment towards them will only worsen things in the long run.

Finally, don’t forget to take your medicine! It’ll help reduce the risk of spreading the virus and keep symptoms at bay if they happen to flare up again.

 

Abstinence and Condoms are Safest Way

However, using condoms will not prevent transmission at all times.

We know many people are under the impression that condoms can prevent the transmission of STIs, but this isn’t always the case. Condoms aren’t 100% effective and are just one part of the prevention process.

The best way to protect yourself from herpes is through abstinence and not having sex, but we understand that this isn’t always feasible or practical for some people.

If you are going to have sex, then using protection such as condoms will help reduce your risk of contracting the virus even further than if you were alone or with someone who didn’t use protection. 

However, if someone does not wear a condom correctly, there is still a risk of transmission even if they don’t have any visible sores on their genitals.

 In addition to using protection during sexual intercourse, it’s also essential that both partners get tested before engaging in sexual activity with each other so they can talk about their status and whether testing was performed correctly.

You don’t have to date if you aren’t ready or feel unsafe dating, but remember that there are plenty of people in the same situation you are in, looking for someone just like you.

 

• You don’t have to date if you aren’t ready or feel unsafe dating, but remember that there are plenty of people in the same situation you are in, looking for someone just like you.
• If you want to date, go ahead and start looking for something that might work for your situation!
• Remember: dating isn’t the only way to meet someone with herpes (or some other STI). There are plenty of different ways online and offline where this can happen organically without having a label assigned to you.

 

Conclusion

Dating with herpes can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to date if you aren’t ready or feel unsafe dating right now, but remember that there are plenty of people in the same situation you are in, looking for someone just like you.