When You Have Herpes Dating Should Still Be Fun

If you have herpes, dating might sound like a depressing chore. You might be afraid that you’ll frighten a potential partner away when you tell them you have herpes. And you should prepare yourself for that. Some people will hear that and not give you a fair chance.

As painful as that can be, you shouldn’t let it get you down. For people who have herpes, dating can be more difficult. But there are many ways you can make dating an enjoyable part of your life again. You don’t have to feel like you shouldn’t ask someone out because of the disease.

It’s important for you to realize that you’re not alone. Herpes is a common disease. In fact, about 25% of the population in the United States carries the virus for genital herpes. That’s 1 in four people who carry the disease. Unfortunately, most of them don’t even know they have it.

So you’re not alone, and you’re not the only person to suffer with herpes. Dating can be a challenge, even knowing that. But because so many people do suffer with the disease, there are ways you can meet them. Online sites designed to introduce people who have herpes are available to you.

You don’t have to limit yourself by thinking you must find a mate who has herpes. Dating can continue much as before, if you wish. But websites designed for those with the disease can help take a lot of pressure off you. You won’t have to ‘break it’ to your date that you have herpes, because they have it too and are aware that you do.

Using sites like that can be a great way to get back on the dating scene without having to tell anyone you have herpes. Though it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t be ashamed of having the disease. It’s something that can happen to almost anyone. And you should realize that people with herpes can fall in love, get married, even have a family, just as those without herpes can.

Right now, though, your focus is just on dating and having fun. Try the sites designed for herpes sufferers for some no-pressure fun. You might even find that special person who also has herpes, and you’ll never have to worry about spreading the disease to your partner. But you shouldn’t limit yourself to this type of dating, unless you want to.

There’s no reason you can’t date someone who doesn’t have herpes. In fact, that person is probably less likely to contract the disease from you than from someone else. That’s because you know you have it and you’ll practice safe sex to keep them from getting it. They’re more likely to get it from those 1 in 4 people who have it and don’t know it!

Tell your partner about your herpes before you have any kind of intimate contact. But it’s not necessary to tell them before the first date. Soon you’ll see that even with herpes, dating can still be fun and exciting.

If you still alone, and want wo find your new friends or emotional supporter, may be STDfish.com is one of your choices.

STD Awareness Month

Health department notes STD awareness month

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that April is STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Awareness Month. Sandy Sommer, RN Director of Clinical Services, notes, "With an estimated 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occurring every year in the US, it is clear that STDs remain a widespread health threat in this country."

Sommer adds,"STD Awareness Month is an opportune time to remind area residents that the Health Department offers confidential:

- STD Testing for Males and Females

- Treatment of STDs

- Contraceptive Supplies

- Preventative immunizations against such STDs as hepatitis B and HPV

- Counseling, Education, and Referral

- Expedited Partner Treatment

Testing and knowledge of infection are vital to reducing the incidence and spread of STDs. Because many infections have no symptoms, those at risk need to get tested and find out if they are infected.

There are many actions you can take to protect yourself and others from STDs:

~ Abstinence - The most reliable way to avoid infection with an STD are to abstain from sex or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

~ Correct and consistent use of condoms - Consistent use of latex condoms reduces the risk of HIV and other STDs. (Supplies are available through the Health Departments Kewanee and Colona offices.)

~ Screening - Getting tested and treated for STDs can protect you from serious health consequences caused by STDs. (STD Testing available at the Health Department.)

~ Immunizations - Receiving recommended hepatitis B and HPV immunizations can almost completely prevent infections covered by the vaccines.

Adds Sommer, "Though the subject of STDs may not be a comfortable healthcare issue to discuss, we want people to remember the Health Department is a source of confidential testing, treatment, and education. And we are literally just a phone call away. People should know we offer the tools and services people need to stay healthy."

T he clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.