Blog
The Origins of Herpes Stigma
How Fear & Misinformation Created a Lasting Shame
From Ancient Sores to 80s Moral Panic
Herpes: God’s Punishment?
The Myth That Needs to Die
For centuries, sexually transmitted infections have been shrouded in shame, often tied to moral or religious judgments. One of the most persistent myths is that herpes—or any STI—is "God’s punishment" for immoral behavior. This belief isn’t just outdated; it’s harmful. It fuels stigma, isolates people, and ignores the biological reality of how common and manageable herpes actually is.
Let’s set the record straight: Herpes is not a punishment. It’s a virus—one th…
Herpes and the Healing Power of Imagination: Envisioning a Positive Path Forward
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…
Dating with Herpes: The Anticipation, the Pressure, and the Freedom to Choose
Take Time When Dating with Herpes: Build Connection Before Intimacy
1. Take It Slow and Enjoy the Moment
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for a Herpes Cure
1. Herpes is Manageable Now
What to Do If You Receive Both a Positive and Negative Herpes Diagnosis
“I was diagnosed with HSV-2 fifteen years ago a…
Was Herpes Such a Big Deal in the Past
Why Herpes Became a "Big Deal"
1. Medical Advancements and Testing: As diagnostic to…
How I Found God and True Identity Through a Herpes Diagnosis
Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, often shaking us to our core before we find the strength to rise again. For Lindsey Ellyn, that moment came with a herpes diagnosis—something she never saw coming but ultimately became the wake-up call she needed. In this episode of Life with Herpes, hosted by Alexandra Harbushka, Lindsey shares her deeply personal journey of battling stigma, facing despair, and ultimately discovering mercy in God.