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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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National CBD Month: Highlighting CBD's Benefits for Herpes Relief

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January marks National CBD Month, dedicated to raising awareness about CBD and its remarkable benefits. Despite the widespread recognition of CBD's advantages, there are still individuals preferring pharmaceuticals over this beneficial aid. The aim is to educate more people worldwide about the advantages of CBD.

History and Rise of CBD

For years, CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, was stigmatized due to legal bans on cannabis. However, scientists recognized its potential benefit…

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Can You Be Perfect with Herpes

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The support group call this week delved into a topic we rarely discuss but is profoundly relevant - perfectionism. This hit close to home for me, being an only child and feeling the pressure to conform to an ideal persona. The journey of striving to be perfect has been a constant in my life, and the diagnosis of herpes brought a new layer of complexity to this pursuit of flawlessness.

Perfectionism often stems from external expectations, whether from family, peers, or society. Seeki…

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Navigating Pregnancy with Herpes: Understanding Concerns and Recommendations

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As we embrace the new year and Pre-Pregnancy Awareness Month, it's crucial for women diagnosed with herpes to navigate their pregnancy journey with awareness and proactive measures. Herpes, a common viral infection, can present specific concerns during pregnancy due to potential risks associated with the virus.

Concerns for Women with Herpes During Pregnancy

  1. Transmission Risk to the Baby: The foremost concern revolves around the possibility of transmitting the herpes virus to the bab…

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Herpes Supplements: Managing Herpes Outbreaks Naturally

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Living with herpes comes with its challenges, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in managing outbreaks. In this article, we'll delve into dietary choices and specific supplements known for their potential in keeping herpes outbreaks at bay.


Lysine

The Amino Acid Herpes Dislikes: Lysine, an essential amino acid, is known to hinder the replication of the herpes virus. While it's naturally present in various foods, supplementing can be beneficial, especially if …

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Navigating Unexpected Rejection: Herpes and the Unseen Impact on Friendships

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Living with a herpes diagnosis presents challenges beyond the physical symptoms and the potential rejection from romantic partners. Often overlooked is the heartbreaking reality of facing rejection from those we expect to stand by us unconditionally—our friends and family. In a recent support group meeting, the conversation delved deep into this aspect, shedding light on the often silent but profound impact of rejection within friendships following a herpes diagnosis.

The stories shared in ou…

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How Many times People Have Sex

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Sexuality forms a vital part of our lives, weaving intimacy and connection into relationships. Yet, pinning down the ideal frequency of sexual activity can be like navigating through uncharted waters. Everyone has unique desires, leading to differing needs for intimacy throughout the week. According to experts, the benefits of regular sexual activity extend beyond pleasure, contributing significantly to both physical and mental well-being while fostering a deeper bond between partners. However, …

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Turmoil with the Herpes Outbreak Cycle

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Let's talk about the emotional turmoil that accompanies the herpes outbreak cycle. It's akin to being trapped in a cycle, much like the "Hotel California" where you check-in but struggle to leave. The sensation of an outbreak emerging is all too familiar. It starts with tingling, itching, burning, or even pain, signaling another unwelcome episode of herpes. And so begins the roller coaster of anxiety.


This roller coaster doesn't wait for an invitation; it just shows up, demanding attention.…

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Understanding the Herpes Stigma: How Perception Doesn't Match Reality

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In a world where fear often overshadows facts, herpes stands as a prime example. The perception of this virus as a severe health threat doesn't align with its actual impact. Let's dive deeper into the reality behind the stigma and how it's evolved over time.

Herpes simplex virus, particularly HSV-2, usually linked with genital outbreaks, affects approximately 11.9 percent of Americans aged 14 to 49, with the majority being unaware of their infection. This lack of awareness is partly due to the …

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