This week’s support group calls were deeply impactful, with both familiar faces and new members joining from all over the world. Witnessing everyone’s transformation over time has been heartwarming. We covered some crucial topics, particularly female health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes, and I’d love to share some insights from those discussions, along with personal reflections on my own health journey.

Looking back, I believe my health challenges set the stage for my eventual herpes diagnosis. It all began when I was in high school and started experiencing strep throat multiple times a year—eight to ten times annually, to be precise. Each time, I was prescribed antibiotics, which were essential to treating the infection. But antibiotics don’t discriminate; they eliminate both harmful bacteria and the beneficial bacteria that support immune health and maintain a balanced vaginal ecosystem. With every course of antibiotics, I could feel my body becoming a little more vulnerable.

The cycle continued into my 20s, where I battled chronic yeast infections, UTIs, and bacterial vaginosis (BV). During my college years at the University of Arizona, I practically lived in a swimsuit, and the dampness contributed to recurring infections. I found myself on an endless loop—antifungals, more antibiotics, and other treatments. As soon as one infection cleared, another emerged, further compromising my immune system.

By my mid-20s, I was dealing with cystic acne—a far cry from the occasional breakout. These cysts were enormous, painful, and deeply embarrassing. For a young professional navigating the corporate world, they were a major blow to my confidence. Desperate for relief, I was prescribed antibiotics continuously for over a year. Although they helped my skin, the constant disruption to my immune system and vaginal health took a toll.

Month after month, I cycled through BV, UTIs, and yeast infections. Each antibiotic wiped out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leaving me even more vulnerable. I was always sick and susceptible to every cold or infection around me. My body was exhausted and overwhelmed.

Women are biologically more prone to genital herpes than men. Approximately 16% of women aged 14-49 in the U.S. are infected with genital herpes, compared to 8% of men. This disparity is linked to biological factors—specifically, the easier transmission of the virus from men to women during vaginal intercourse due to the exposure of soft genital tissue​.

Many women remain unaware of their infection. The CDC estimates that approximately 88% of people with herpes are undiagnosed, often due to mild or absent symptoms​. This makes it easy for the virus to spread unknowingly, especially since asymptomatic shedding can occur even without visible signs of an outbreak.

Throughout our support group conversations, a recurring theme emerged: Many women reported experiencing recurrent infections like yeast infections, UTIs, or BV around the time of their herpes diagnosis. This pattern points to the possibility that compromised vaginal health and immune function may increase the likelihood of contracting herpes.

Frequent antibiotic use, though effective for treating infections, can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal ecosystem. Research shows that when the vaginal flora is imbalanced, the mucosal barrier weakens, making it easier for pathogens—like the herpes virus—to take hold.

For me, the constant cycle of infections and antibiotics left my immune system exhausted. By the time I contracted genital herpes, my body had little resilience left to fight back.

Interestingly, individuals with an existing HSV-1 infection (commonly known as oral herpes) often have some level of immunity against contracting HSV-2. This is because the immune system can recognize and respond to the virus, even if it’s a different strain. However, when the immune system is weakened—whether from chronic infections, stress, or antibiotic overuse—this protective mechanism can fail​.

In my case, I already had HSV-1, but my immune system was too compromised to mount an effective defense when exposed to HSV-2. It’s a reminder of how crucial it is to prioritize immune health, especially for those living with or at risk of contracting herpes.

Another topic that came up during our support group call was the impact of grooming practices on STI risk. In recent decades, grooming trends have shifted, with more women opting to shave or wax regularly. However, these practices can create tiny abrasions on the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infections like herpes by providing an entry point for bacteria and viruses​.

Studies show that women are more likely to contract genital herpes than men, and grooming practices may play a role in this disparity. Removing the natural protective barrier of pubic hair can expose delicate skin to potential pathogens during intimate contact. It’s a powerful reminder that personal grooming choices can have unintended health consequences.

Although I can’t change the past, I’ve learned invaluable lessons from my health journey. Today, I take a proactive approach to my well-being, focusing on nutrition, self-care, and immune-boosting practices. I’ve found that strengthening my immune system, improving gut health, and maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem have made a world of difference.

In our community, Coach Sarah Joy has been instrumental in teaching us how to naturally boost immune and vaginal health. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of infections rather than just treating symptoms. If you’re a member of our Secret Society Support Group, you can connect with Sarah directly for personalized guidance. Her insights on gut health, the immune system, and HSV management are invaluable.

I also encourage you to listen to our podcast interviews with Sarah Joy, which are packed with practical tips and empowering advice for managing your health.

Podcasts:

Thyroid & Gut Health and It's Connection to Herpes With Coach Sarah Joy

Thyroid Disease, Herpes and Epstein–Barr - Gain Back Your Health with Coach Sarah Joy

Sources:

1. CDC Report (Data Brief 304):
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Genital Herpes Facts. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db304.pdf

2. Verywell Health Article on Genital Herpes Transmission:
Bennett, C. (2023). What Are the Odds of Genital Herpes Transmission?. Verywell Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/genital-herpes-transmission-what-are-the-odds-5496285

3. Just Herpes Statistics on Genital Herpes in the U.S.:
Just Herpes. (2023). Genital Herpes Statistics in the U.S.. Retrieved from https://justherpes.com/facts/genital-herpes-statistics-us-hsv2/