Most people in the US are exposed to HSV-1 (commonly known as oral herpes) as children, NIH data shows that 90% of adults in the US have been exposed to HSV-1 by the age 50. The CDC estimates that 11.9% of people in the US between the ages of 14–49 years have been exposed to HSV-2 (commonly known as genital herpes). Being exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2 does not guarantee you’ll have a genital or oral outbreak in the future. Herpes is common in the US and most never show symptoms. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/

Alexandra knows what it feels like to get a call from your doctor saying, “you have Herpes;” and how to manage the physical, mental, and emotional rollercoaster ride that comes with a diagnosis.

When you’re first diagnosed with an STD, it’s important to immediately educate yourself on what herpes is and what the misconceptions are. Herpes is a virus that the majority of the population has and outbreaks happen when you’re stressed or your immune system is stressed. There’s no cure for herpes, but herpes won’t kill you and can be managed.

Being diagnosed with an STD or STI can feel like the earth is breaking, but you can still live a wonderful and fulfilling life: you’re more than a herpes diagnosis.

Alexandra shares her experience with how to get diagnosed with herpes, manage herpes outbreaks, and communicate about STDs and STIs with future partners: from dating to getting married.

We cover topics like:

3:00 How to talk with others about herpes

5:00 Coping with the emotions of an STI diagnosis and feeling shame

7:50 How to start enjoying life again after being diagnosed with herpes

14:00 Dating with herpes and how to communicate your boundaries

26:45 What to do after being diagnosed with herpes

29:30 Resources if you’re concerned you have herpes or have been diagnosed

Alexandra Harbushka is the founder of Life With Herpes – an online community dedicated to shattering the stigma of living with herpes. In addition to helping her community members overcome the emotional struggles of their diagnosis, Alexandra also founded Secret Society Wellness.

Herpes resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus

This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding treatment, medications/supplements, or any medical diagnoses. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way to substitute the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.