Blog
Herpes 101
What's going on in our SS: Group for people with herpes
Real Stories, Real Support—No Judgment, Just Healing
Okay, today I want to do something different. I want to give you a real, unfiltered look inside our Secret Society group. I talk about it a lot—because honestly? This is where the healing begins.
And why is that?
Because of our support group calls.
If you’ve ever been in that place where you needed to get something off your chest, you know how freeing it feels just to say it out loud. I’m not even talking about fixing the problem right t…
Since When Is a Virus Reason for Mockery?
Why Is a Virus Something to Be Ashamed Of?
Herpes is one of the most stigmatized viruses in the world, yet it’s also one of the most common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 67% of the global population under 50 has HSV-1 (oral herpes), and roughly 13% have HSV-2 (genital herpes). That’s billions of people living with herpes—so why does it still carry so much shame?
The stigma around herpes is rooted in misinformation, fear, and outdated societal attitudes. But let’s be…
Big Pharma & Herpes
How Drug Marketing Fueled Stigma (And What’s Changing Now)
The Profit Behind the Panic
For decades, pharmaceutical companies capitalized on herpes stigma to sell treatments—often exaggerating risks while downplaying how manageable HSV really is. This is the untold story of how drug marketing shaped public perception, and why a new wave of honest education is finally pushing back.
The 1980s: Creating a "Disease" to Sell a Drug
Acyclovir’s Blockbuster Launch (1982)
When the first antiviral …
Painful Urination Because of Herpes
Why Herpes Can Make Peeing Painful
Painful urination (dysuria) during a genital herpes outbreak occurs because:
- Ulcers/sores near the urethra react to urine’s acidity
- Inflammation irritates sensitive nerve endings
- Secondary irritation from frequent wiping or soap exposure
Note: If pain persists after sores heal, see a doctor to rule out UTIs or other conditions.
Immediate Relief Methods
1. Hydration + Urine Dilution
- Drink extra water – Diluted urine burns less
- Avoid caffeine/alc…
The Origins of Herpes Stigma
How Fear & Misinformation Created a Lasting Shame
From Ancient Sores to 80s Moral Panic
Herpes has been with humanity for thousands of years, but the intense shame surrounding it? That's a modern invention. What began as a simple medical observation transformed into one of the most stigmatized conditions in modern history.
Let's uncover how herpes went from being just another skin condition to a cultural "scandal" - and why that stigma i…
Are You Less Contagious with HSV-1 and HSV-2 if You’re Asymptomatic?
Understanding the Risk of Asymptomatic Herpes Transmission
If you’re living with herpes, you’ve likely wondered about the risk of spreading the virus, especially when you’re not experiencing an outbreak. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are often thought of as highly contagious only during active symptoms, like sores and blisters. But how contagious are you if you’re asymptomatic? Understanding this can help you navigate intimacy, manage expectations, and communicate with partners about…
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for a Herpes Cure
Many people with herpes often pin their hopes on a future cure that will erase the virus completely. While the desire for a permanent solution is understandable, waiting for a herpes cure may not be the best approach to managing the condition or living a fulfilling life. Here's why:
1. Herpes is Manageable Now
The reality is that herpes is already a highly manageable condition. With a healthy lifestyle, meditation and other relaxation methods, supplements (lysine, monolaurin, and and…
Was Herpes Such a Big Deal in the Past
In the past, herpes wasn’t seen as the significant issue it has become in modern times. It was often regarded as just another common infection, not unlike a cold sore or rash. The shift in perception came largely after the herpes simplex virus (HSV) became a focus of media attention and public health campaigns in the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) awareness.
Why Herpes Became a "Big Deal"
1. Medical Advancements and Testing: As diagnostic to…
HSV, HPV vs HIV: Understanding the Differences
A Guide to Common Viral Infections
When discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), three acronyms often come up: HSV, HPV, and HIV. These abbreviations stand for herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While all three are viral infections transmitted through sexual contact, they differ significantly in their symptoms, long-term effects, and management. In this blog post, we'll explore the key differences and similarities betwee…
Protecting Your Family from Herpes
Practical Steps to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe from Cold Sores and Genital Herpes
Herpes is a common virus that can cause both oral and genital infections. Understanding how to protect your family from herpes, particularly during outbreaks, is essential for maintaining their health and well-being. In this post, we’ll discuss strategies for preventing the spread of cold sores (oral herpes) and genital herpes within your household, while also ensuring that affection and normal…