Blog
Can You Test Negative After Testing Positive for Herpes?
Have you recently tested positive for herpes, but now you're wondering if it's possible to test negative? Understanding herpes testing can be confusing, especially when you receive unexpected results. Let's delve into this topic and address common questions surrounding herpes testing.
Understanding Herpes Testing
Herpes testing typically involves two types of tests: blood tests and swab tests. Blood tests look for antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the herpes virus, while …
A Story of Breaking from the Shame of Herpes
This past week’s support group call surpassed all expectations, marking a memorable moment for our community. We were thrilled to welcome Lindsey Ellyn, the celebrated author of "The Shame Game," and a previous guest on the Life With Herpes Podcast. Her presence brought an unparalleled level of engagement and insight, reflecting the essence of what we aim to achieve with our bi-weekly live support groups: fostering a supportive community and providing a platform for open dialogue and growth.
Th…
National Condom Month: Celebrating Safe Practices and Understanding Limitations
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…
Forgiveness: Overcoming the Hurdle of Herpes in a Relationship
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 …
Embracing Creative Romance Month: A Journey to Self-Love Amidst a Herpes Diagnosis
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…
Healing Shame: Exploring the Nervous System and Herpes Stigma
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 …
Valentine's Day & Herpes
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…
Dark Chocolate Day: Effect of Chocolate on Herpes
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…
Understanding Cervical Health Concerns with Herpes Outbreaks
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…
Herpes: Shifting from Victimhood to Empowerment
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 …