Genital herpes is an STI that can be contracted by any sexually active person. Herpes is very common throughout the United States. In fact, nearly 1 in 6 people ranging in age from 14-49 have genital herpes.
GET TESTEDHerpes Patient Story
Following is a patient recalling how she contracted herpes and how it changed her life.
“My sexual experience started when I was 15. Yes I know, I know I was young, but at the time I
didn’t think so. My boyfriend was 17 and he was cute and fun to be with. I thought I really loved
him, and I really trusted him. He kept pressuring me to show him I loved him by having sex with
him.
“He Was So Persistent”
I wanted to wait awhile, but he was so persistent. But a part of me was curious because I really wanted to know what it felt like. At first, we did a lot of kissing and touching. Since I thought I loved him, I figured I was going to be with him forever, so I eventually gave in, and we had sex.
READ STD/STI ARTICLES“I Thought He Loved Me”
He did use a condom, and sex the first time didn’t feel as good as I expected. It was a little painful.
But we did it about five more times over the next month or so and it didn’t hurt as much. He didn’t
use a condom every time.
I noticed that he didn’t treat me as well as he did at the beginning of our relationship, and it seemed like all we talked about was when and where we could hook up again. I started feeling bad about myself and guilty, and that maybe he didn’t love me as much as I loved him. We broke up and I was heartbroken.
“After We Broke Up, I Developed an Itchy and Painful Rash on My Vagina”
About two weeks after our breakup, I started getting a horrible itchy and painful rash on my vagina. There were visible sores, even starting to go down my thighs. It looked disgusting and felt even worse. I also developed nasty sores on my mouth.
“Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that stays with you forever.“
I knew I needed to go to the doctor, but I was terribly afraid to tell my mom. I was desperate and I knew I had to tell someone, so I confessed to my older sister. She immediately drove me to an OB/GYN clinic and demanded they see me for my emergency. I was so embarrassed. After testing, I found out I had genital herpes, HSV-2.
I was given medication to get it under control. However, I have gotten 4-5 more outbreaks each year since then, which requires that I continue to take the medicine.
“It Only Takes One Time”
I am now 18 and regret losing my virginity. I also regret trusting my boyfriend. He most likely knew he had herpes, but he never told me. You don’t have to be promiscuous to get an STD. It only takes one time. Now, for the rest of my life, I have to tell every potential partner that I have herpes before I have sex with them. Herpes is a life-altering disease.
Be Safe, Get Tested
The best protection to avoid STDs is to abstain from sex. This includes all types, vaginal, anal and oral. Make wise choices for yourself and be mindful to protect your own health.
If and when you choose to be in a sexual relationship, get tested before having sex with anyone new. Communicate with them and make sure they are tested too. In order to take control of your own body, insist that your partner be tested. You have a right to protect yourself and have enough self confidence and self worth to demand it.
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