Getting on with it.

Sexual health
1

Hi, 26 yo guy here. 12 months after my HSV2 diagnosis and I'm finally bored of googling every possible complication or unusual symptom related to this virus. My body has been all over the place for this past year; it's still not the same as it was, but I feel like I have a bright future again. 

I remember the panic during my first OB.. it was at the start of a weekend, so I couldn't go anywhere to at least feel like I was being pro-active. Fight or flight kicked in, but all I could do was lie in bed. 3 partners total (always protected, but..), I couldnt believe my luck - I felt dirty and suspicious of everything. In hindsight, probably this stress and anxiety was the cause of so many symptoms I had blamed on HSV - this illness seems to be 80% psychological due to the stigma of that word Herpes.

But ignore stigma - every illness had stigma once. It's what happens when ignorance meets realities that need an open mind. If you research the virus, learn the statistics, live healthily and build yourself back up, you will have beaten an obstacle and become stronger through it. This thing isn't so bad!

Hoping I can help any struggling new recruits on here. Drop a message if you can do that here. I didn't spot this board in the beginning, but I did find a similar US site which proved so helpful.

2

Have you disclosed to anyone yet and how did that go?

Did you contact the person who gave it to you?

3

Actually, yea.. I told a few girls I had dated beforehand, and they still wanted to take things further, but for other reasons I felt it was best not to. They've been supportive too.. I think if they first get to know who you are behind H first, it's not a big deal. Also I told my mum, best friend and his girlfriend..

I was dating the person who gave it to me, so not really a case of contacting. We dealt with it together, but I was the only one symptomatic and took it harder mentally too. My opinion is that it helps to get rid of any anger towards that person.

4

Hello!

I was just wondering if there is anything specific you do to try and build up your immunity or any healthy habits?

I am trying to figure out healthier habits I could try in order to have more time in between my outbreaks.

Thanks

5

Mary, probiotics was the game changer for me. 70% of your immune system is in your gut and we eat so poorly, we are not balanced and lack good bacteria. Boosting it w probiotics is a start. It's best to have billions per capsule and 3-5 different bacteria and a capsule that makes it past your digestive track.