Did you know there are over 65 million people in America with an incurable STD? These numbers are continuing to rise across the nation, and 20 percent of the population is now suffering from genital herpes.
There is currently no cure for herpes, and it is easily transmittable during oral sex, anal sex, and intercourse - even if the individual is not displaying any herpes symptoms at the time.
These facts are quite terrifying, and also quite sad. People who are suffering from an incurable STD often feel stigmatized and ashamed.
They may feel as though they have been "punished" by God or some other universal forces for having sex. Some begin to shun sex altogether, and others simply stew with internal feelings of guilt and regret.
These individuals also may struggle with dating and relationship issues. Even if safe sex is practiced, a condom cannot prevent herpes when skin-to-skin contact occurs during intercourse. More importantly, even if people practice safe oral sex - with a condom or dental dam - herpes can be spread to areas of the body which are not covered.
Therefore, it's absolutely pertinent that people tell their partners about their infection, which can be a very difficult and humiliating process.
With these individuals in mind, here is a list of helpful hints that can guide you through the tricky process of dating with an STD:
Get the Facts
If you have been diagnosed with an incurable STD, take the necessary steps to become knowledgeable about your infection. Some good initial questions to ask your doctor include: "What symptoms should I expect from this?
Are there ways to lessen my symptoms? How can I prevent spreading this infection to others? How will this affect my overall health?" If you are prescribed medication, be sure to ask about side effects and dosage specifics.
Keep Your Outbreaks Under Control
Previously, herpes medications had to be taken everyday. However, a new one-day oral antiviral treatment is available, which only needs to be taken at the beginning of an outbreak.
Outbreaks are usually signaled by burning, pain, itching, or tenderness. If a patient takes the medication at this time, they can keep the herpes virus from reproducing, which will shorten outbreak time or completely stop an outbreak from occurring.
This is great news for people who don't want their life put on hold during a painful herpes outbreak, or for people who don't want to take medication every single day.
Talk to Your Partner
Often the most difficult part of dating with an STD is wondering when you should tell your partner. The answer is: before you are intimate. Since this will certainly be an uncomfortable conversation on a first date, I recommend that you postpone intimacy until the relationship becomes more serious.
Once you reach this point, broach the subject to your partner when are alone and undisturbed. Don't bring it up during the heat of the moment, right before sex.
Choose a neutral time and place where he/she can ask questions openly and learn about the infection. If they need time or space to work through their emotions, allow them to do so. The right person will not hold your infection against you - so consider it a litmus test to chase away negative partners.
And remember, even if you aren't having an outbreak, always practice safe sex - your health is too important to risk!
