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The Day I Got Diagnosed with Genital Herpes Was the Worst Day of My Life: Oh Sh*T Anniversary pt.5

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It's Friday July 1st and this was the day that changed my everything. This was the day 13 years ago that I got diagnosed with genital herpes. I still have the dress that I was wearing when I was diagnosed with herpes so I thought I'd be fun to try it on.

If you can remember I had gone for my annual physical on Tuesday, so I was patiently awaiting my results. I was thinking that if I don't get a phone call by 3:00 then I'll have to call the doctors because otherwise it's a holiday weekend w…

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What Life with Herpes Looks like for 13 Years - Oh Sh*T Anniversary Pt.5

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In case you're just tuning in and haven't been following along this weeks series, let me bring you up to date. This is my "oh shit anniversary", aka the week I got diagnosed with genital herpes. So I'm bringing you along for the emotional ride and sharing what my diagnosis was like.

At this point in the week I still had not received my diagnosis and there was still so much up in the air. I remember feeling so unsettled and was in limbo wondering if I had herpes and if it was going to change…

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Something Was Wrong but I Didn't Think It Was Herpes - Oh Sh*T Anniversary Pt.1

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This week we're going to do something different.

13 years ago I was diagnosed with genital herpes.

This week is the same week as in 2011. I've shared things here and there but I've never walked you through exactly what I did and how I felt. Share what I can remember and the good, the bad and the ugly. My intention for this week is to bring awareness to herpes: your life moves on and you forget how big of a deal it is. Talk you through the exact week 13 years ago, build awareness and hand…

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Getting Herpes from a Virgin Partner: Understanding Transmission Risks

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How Herpes Can Be Contracted Even from a Partner with No Previous Sexual Experience

Herpes is a highly contagious virus that can be contracted in various ways, often leading to confusion and misconceptions about its transmission. One common question is whether it’s possible to get herpes from a virgin partner. The answer may surprise you, as herpes can indeed be transmitted even if your partner has no prior sexual experience. In this post, we’ll explore how this can happen and what steps yo…

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National Condom Month: Celebrating Safe Practices and Understanding Limitations

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February marks National Condom Month, an unofficial holiday focused on raising awareness about the benefits of condoms and promoting safe sex practices. So of course we have to talk about it!

Some fun information on the history of condoms dates back centuries, with the oldest condoms discovered in a cesspit on the grounds of Dudley Castle in England, dating back to around 1642. Initially made from chemically treated linen and animal tissue, condoms evolved over the years. Rubber condoms gaine…

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Embracing Creative Romance Month: A Journey to Self-Love Amidst a Herpes Diagnosis

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February is not just the month of love; it's an opportunity to infuse creativity into our relationships and, most importantly, to cultivate self-love. As we celebrate the month of Valentine's Day, let's embark on a journey that goes beyond conventional expressions of love and delves into the realm of Creative Romance Month. However, for those navigating life with a herpes diagnosis, this month can bring up uncomfortable feelings, challenging us to confront and overcome the internalized shame ass…

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Embracing the Journey: Life, Faith, and Herpes

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In the tapestry of life, certain threads can lead us to unexpected places, challenging our perceptions and reshaping our understanding of self-worth, relationships, and societal norms. Lindsey Ellyn's candid revelation about her herpes diagnosis serves as a poignant narrative, weaving together themes of healing, faith, and the courage to break free from the stifling chains of stigma.

Lindsey's journey begins with the profound realization that her worth extends far beyond the lab…

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How Many times People Have Sex

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Sexuality forms a vital part of our lives, weaving intimacy and connection into relationships. Yet, pinning down the ideal frequency of sexual activity can be like navigating through uncharted waters. Everyone has unique desires, leading to differing needs for intimacy throughout the week. According to experts, the benefits of regular sexual activity extend beyond pleasure, contributing significantly to both physical and mental well-being while fostering a deeper bond between partners. However, …

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Understanding the Herpes Stigma: How Perception Doesn't Match Reality

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In a world where fear often overshadows facts, herpes stands as a prime example. The perception of this virus as a severe health threat doesn't align with its actual impact. Let's dive deeper into the reality behind the stigma and how it's evolved over time.

Herpes simplex virus, particularly HSV-2, usually linked with genital outbreaks, affects approximately 11.9 percent of Americans aged 14 to 49, with the majority being unaware of their infection. This lack of awareness is partly due to the …

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Best Herpes Dating Advice: What Community Says?

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Dating with herpes might feel like a the biggest task. The already complex world of dating seems to gain an additional layer of challenge—navigating the disclosure and acceptance of having herpes. When I received my genital herpes diagnosis back in 2011, fear engulfed me. It petrified me so much that I stayed in a relationship with the person I'd contracted herpes from. For two years, I held back, not knowing how to broach the daunting conversation of disclosure. Looking back, I wish I had posse…

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