Blog
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
As you all know, I love our Monday calls. On Monday mornings, when I’m busy making my son’s lunch, getting him ready for school, and getting him out the door, I’m also getting excited thinking about our calls. As always, seeing familiar faces is the best—and I love welcoming new people. If you’re thinking about joining and you’re scared or concerned about speaking up, please know that we are all here in the same boat. We’ve all been diagnosed with herpes. We’ve all been in your sho…
Take Time When Dating with Herpes: Build Connection Before Intimacy
Whether you or your partner has herpes, taking your time in a relationship is important for building trust and connection. It’s natural to want to get to know someone first before diving into the more complex parts of the relationship. There’s no rush—you can enjoy each other’s company and allow the relationship to develop at a pace that feels comfortable for both of you.
1. Take It Slow and Enjoy the Moment
If your partner has herpes and you’re unsure of how to move forward, that’s okay. Take…
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…
What to Do If You Receive Both a Positive and Negative Herpes Diagnosis
Getting tested for herpes can stir up a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, shame, confusion, relief—and sometimes all of them at once. But imagine going through all of that and then getting two completely different results. One test says you're positive. Another says you're negative. Now what?
This exact scenario came up recently in one of our Secret Society Support Group calls, and it sparked an emotional and eye-opening conversation.
“I was diagnosed with HSV-2 fifteen years ago a…
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…
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.
Confronting the Stigma and the Darkest Mome…
Disclosing That You Have Herpes Before the First Date
Why It May Not Be the Best Idea
Deciding when to disclose that you have herpes is a deeply personal decision. For many, the instinct to be upfront about their diagnosis comes from a place of wanting to be honest and avoid potential future complications. But disclosing that you have herpes before the first date may not be the best strategy for a few reasons.
1. It Can Create an Unnecessary Barrier Early On
Disclosing your herpes status before even getting to know someone can place an unnec…
Can You Take Lysine Supplements Long-term?
Lysine supplements are generally considered safe for long-term use for most people. Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning your body can't produce it on its own, so it must be obtained through diet or supplements. Many people take lysine supplements to support immune health or to manage conditions like herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks.
However, as with any supplement, it’s important to use it appropriately. Here are a few key points to consider when taking lysine long-term:
1. Dosage M…
Your First Herpes Outbreak: Tips for Soothing and Healing
Experiencing your first herpes outbreak can be overwhelming, but it’s important to know that you can take several steps to soothe symptoms and promote healing. Here are some suggestions to help you manage your symptoms effectively and get on the path to recovery.
1. Try a Recovery Soak
Taking a warm Epsom salt bath can be incredibly soothing during a herpes outbreak. Epsom salts help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can make your own soak by adding essential oils like lavende…