Blog

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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Forgiveness: Overcoming the Hurdle of Herpes in a Relationship

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This week's support group discussions delved into profound healing conversations. Our morning group had so many people from all over the world and we shared experiences about the initial herpes diagnosis, while the evening call focused on the challenging journey of forgiveness and staying with a partner after contracting herpes. So for this week's blog post, we'll explore the complexities of overcoming the hurdle of forgiveness in the context of a herpes diagnosis within a relationship.

Lack …

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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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Healing Shame: Exploring the Nervous System and Herpes Stigma

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Shame is a complex emotion deeply ingrained in our psyche, often serving as a protective mechanism to shield us from perceived threats to our social connections. However, while it may offer short-term protection, prolonged feelings of shame can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. This blog explores the intricate relationship between shame, our nervous system, and immune function, particularly in the context of a herpes diagnosis. It delves into the ways shame manifests …

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Valentine's Day & Herpes

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This week's icebreaker led us to explore feelings about Valentine's Day, particularly considering the impact it can have on those diagnosed with herpes, especially those who are recently diagnosed. The idea behind initiating this discussion was to recognize that the concept of love can be particularly triggering for individuals grappling with a herpes diagnosis.

Beyond the superficial aspects of the holiday—like cards, chocolates, or roses—I wanted to delve into the deeper realm of lo…

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Dark Chocolate Day: Effect of Chocolate on Herpes

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Celebrating Chocolate Month: Exploring the Richness of Dark Chocolate
February is not just the month of love; it's also the month dedicated to celebrating the delectable goodness that is chocolate. As we delve into the world of chocolate during this Chocolate Month, it's intriguing to explore the complex relationship between dark chocolate and health, with a specific focus on how it may impact individuals living with herpes.

The Ancient Elixir: A Historical Dive into Chocolate
Chocola…

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Understanding Cervical Health Concerns with Herpes Outbreaks

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Cervical health awareness, spurred by screening methods like Dr. Georgios Nikolaou Papanikolaou's 'Pap smear,' has been crucial in early detection, particularly in cases where symptoms are absent. However, for women with cervical herpes, often characterized by the presence of HSV1, HSV2, or, in rare instances, both cervically, the lack of visible symptoms can lead to undetected outbreaks, typically discovered during routine Pap exams.

In the case of cervical herpes, which can involve either…

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Navigating Herpes: Shifting from Victimhood to Empowerment

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This week, our support group welcomed new and familiar faces, including a member celebrating their 4-year "Living with Herpes" anniversary. It's heartwarming to witness our community grow and evolve while maintaining the same unwavering support for those navigating a herpes diagnosis. Our discussions delved into the complexities of emotions such as victimhood, shame, and empowerment, sparking a powerful conversation about discovering the core issues that herpes brings to the surface and how …

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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 Do I Deal with Herpes Shame?

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This week's support group calls welcomed numerous new members (yay) and those recently diagnosed with herpes (welcome). For those of us who have walked this path, the initial diagnosis wraps us in a veil of shame, creating a fog that seems impenetrable. The beauty of the Secret Society Support Group lies in the collective experience, boasting over 70 years of combined wisdom from individuals living with herpes. Personally diagnosed with HSV1 in 2003 and HSV2 in 2011, I've traversed two decades o…

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