All these shared experiences about living with STDs were contributed by real people. We hope to help you gain the confidence you need to manage STDs in your daily life.
Many people find comfort learning that others have similar experiences, especially when newly diagnosed. Inspire and help others by sharing your story! You can do it anonymously.
I was diagnosed with HIV in 2002. My ex gave it to me. I called him to ask him and he left me hanging on the phone never to call me back. I truly thought my life was over. I confided in a few family members and friends. Unfortunately, the people that I trusted betrayed me and wielded my diagnosed as though it was a weapon. But God has the last word. After years of denial and looking for love and acceptance though several relationships. I decided to heal myself by focusing on loving myself and realizing I was giving this disease way too much power. So now, I am a successful person who makes six figures in my position. In addition, I attend a university as an undergraduate in psychology. If god will, I intend to pursue my masters degree as well.
I have been positive for 22 years and if someone would of told me that I would still be single still in the year 2022 I would of probably wanted to jump off a bridge lol, joking it really isn't that bad. Yes it does have some draw backs in the Dating World but I have dated off this site and off the standard Dating Sites and I can tell you honestly they are no different. I have met several guys on the standard Dating Sites who are Positive and the sad story is the I was the one who initially brought the story up before things got to go to the next level. Not sure why Men don't seem to be upfront with telling you....... which is how I got this in the first place after a 14 month relationship and he "forgot to mention it".
Well Ladies and Gentlemen, never give up, hang in there as I am sure if your life long partner is meant to be they will find you. Beware of the Scammers, the Story Tellers and boy there are lots of untruthful people out there, go with you gut feeling and just walk away...... don't give anyone the pleasure of making you feel unloved, unwanted, you deserve the best so go find the best. Not sure if it's on this site, the standard dating site or maybe just the local place to hang out. I truly believe there is someone for everyone, some just take advantage of the good ones and maybe it's the next one.....who knows. Hang in there as 2022 is another year and hopefully your year for happiness :)
Although the initial diagnosis may feel like the end the world to some people, It's certainly far from it. Not only is it more common than you think, but it seems to have very little to no effect on people who practice good health and nutrition.
A lot of people may be discouraged by the stigma associated with having an STD, but the truth is that most people carry some sort of HSV. Our bodies are amazing at fighting these related viruses when we get the proper nutrition to help our immune systems do all the work. There is no need for expensive prescriptions, or medication to only cover up the symptoms, with a simple change in diet you can achieve much better long lasting effects.
For those who are discouraged that they will never find love again, I promise you that the connections made with those who have also been through this experience, are some of the strongest out there.
After contracting genital HPV I went through the ups and downs of being single with an std. After being on this website for a few months I met someone with the same std as me and we have been happy together since we met.
When I got Herpes I thought I will be single for the rest of my life because I did not want to pass this to anybody, I took therapy for about a year and I joined this website to learn more about the virus and others experiences and waaala this great gentleman contacted me and now we are happily married!
Thank you Positive Singles!
The biggest fear dealing with this disease is yourself. Most people are still willing to accept you with herpes. When I first found out I was devastated for a few months. After you overcome that fear and worrying about how other people feel you will begin to enjoy life as you have before your diagnosis. You can go on to live a normal life, get married and have a family. There are people are out there that are dealing with worst issues and would love to be in our situation. Just love yourself and live life.
I cant believe it ether Aug 18 1981 they put a needle in my arm I am a hemophiliac did OK till 1991 did 13 years full blown aids years of just scraping by meds sucked till about 2004 i truly believe THC kept me alive did every study that i was asked to do years of bad pills saying if i take this drug i will die DDI my family mom and dad never gave up neither did i one point i had 2 t-cells and weighed 81 lbs with pneumonia i have taken every drug there is and we ,,,did it,,, good pills good Dr's and you too will live a long life .Life is what you make of it .go live a good life, I fought hard so you could take 2 pill's and have a normal life
I don;t write so well because i was thrown out of high school Yep HIV and the stigma for me continues till today dating is not easy
Although everyone's bodies are different, there is one common line of defense that we all have, which is the immune system. At first the body might seem totally overwhelmed by a new virus, but in time our immune systems find the best ways to fight them.
I thought it was the end of my romantic life once I contracted HSV, but as my body began to recognize the nature of this virus, it began to almost instantaneously react to outbreaks and lessen the amount of times they would occur. So much that I not longer show any physical signs of an outbreak, nor do I feel the tingling, or pain associated.
I have never taken medication, but have focused more on diet, homeopathic remedies and physical exercise; with amazing results. Again, Everyone's bodies are different, but if you can train your immune system to properly react to this virus, then it becomes less than a nuisance. This is why I think so many people can be carriers, yet not everyone shows symptoms. Asymptomatic people are a perfect example of this.
No matter how this virus affects you, it still doesn't mean the end of your romantic life. In fact, I have found that it makes new relationships more meaningful. Especially when you have resources such as this site.
Keeps your heads up!
Last week I just found out that I am positive for herpes. Yall i feel alone down and out I don't know what to do. I need help someone to talk to or confide in. If there is anyone out there that's willing to talk to me I would gladly appreciate it. Ive had suicidal thoughts the only thing that's keeping me here is my kids i love them. But i do need help with this.
you are strong and there is nothing wrong with you. We are still people and we can live our lives just as normal as anyone else. i have lived with this since i was 19 years old. I am not sure who gave this to me and I finally am able to move forward in my life. Living in shame is not ok and can bring us all down. I was depressed for years but i was able to live a normal life and bring in 2 amazing children. I have loved and I have lost. If that is not normal than what is. Stay strong... listen to me you will always be amazing regardless. our life doesnt stop with. " I am sorry but you have contracted an STD." We are who we are and anyone will love you for who you are not with what you have.
Ok so you're on here because you have hpv. It's ok you're not the only one. I had anal warts and I've tried so many different treatments and all of them have hurt really bad or did not work. The most painful one is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and it's not worth the burn. Anyone on here saying it works, don't believe them or find out the hard way.
I recently came across a post about Cold Pressed Castor Oil and I was not sure if it was even worth trying but figured what do I have to lose? I put tons of it all over the area and soaked a paper towel and applied it to the area and added a dry paper towel over it so I wouldn't leak as much. It's been roughly 8 days now and they are gone. Just vanished no pain no turning black no falling off simply gone. I've had these things for a little over 10 years in my anal area not inside just on the outside surrounding my opening. When I look in my hand mirror I'm amazed my skin looks great and all warts are gone!! I'm so happy!!!
I've lost nights of sleep over this and went thru a very deep depression. I went to the DR. years ago and they made me feel like a freak so I decided to do home treatments for several years, in moderation. Nothing worked so I visited a DR again about 2 years ago and asked for Aldara. He checked my anal area out and said I do not have any warts. I knew he was wrong bc I know my body but he assured me it was not warts and gave me the prescription anyways and said if the cream doesnt work its bc they are not warts. Well the cream didnt work. I didnt know what to do so I soaked my anal area with ACV for 3 days in a row and omg the worse pain ever. I let it heal and did spot treatment instead- 4 days later I got rid of 1 large wart and its seed. Ever since that I can not use ACV bc the pain is horrible and it left a little scar.
If you are looking for a way to get rid of your warts pain free get some Cold Pressed Castor Oil ASAP! You will thank me in about 1 week. After day 3 I saw no difference but ...
Hello P.S. my name is Corey William's and this is my story on how I came into contact with herpes and how I'm dealing with it.
I was devastated, this thing just kept getting crazier. I felt so out of control. heck, I WAS out of control before this happened. spinning out, trying to find happiness in women and sex. It was meaningless, and I have grown and changed for the better. There's no telling what might have happened to me if I hadn't caught HSV2. the thought really scares me. If any of you know how much danger I was putting myself in, in the name if having fun.
I was left feeling empty...used. I definitely wasn't happy.
I contracted this monster on March 2017 so recently diagnosed. It started out as little bumps on my private area, then these weird lumps as well which was freaking me out. I didn't really notice anything on my girlfriend at the time she never really showed no signs until she went to the doctor and fount out. I had to do some serious research, and in between the anger, panic attacks and bouts of self hatred, I came across, the most amazing discovery, Licorice root!!!!
Man am I telling you this stuff is kind of a miracle! It keeps the virus from duplicating. It can even be used by people with HIV.
I am starting out small with 5 pieces and then 10, and then I will bottom out at 15. I have already noticed changes in my body. I am feeling NORMAL again, and feel that might be hope for me again. I would recommend keeping your dose down to about 2 grams per day. I purchase Zot organic licorice (root) online for about 22.00 if I eat 15 a day that will last me for a whole month at least, so it's also very inexpensive. If this works for me this will work for anyone. I have a very aggressive strain.
I knew if I found something prevent the outbreaks I would share it with the world. If this helps even one person I feel like my illness was not in vain.
I do not want to suffer even one more day for my mistakes. I have made peace with...
I was married and still ended up with herpes/hpv according to what I found out from my ex wife I left for cheating on me in 2015. Here it is 4 years later and I am emailed by her she has hpv/herpes. I have to say I am hurt. I am a loya,l none cheating, none liar and never hide anything !!!!!I am a open book and still got burned. I am scared as hell too get tested but know i need some inspiration to face this head on and get it over with. I am just devastated and know this is not the end of life for me but for sure one of the most hurtful results I have ever had from being a good person to someone I, at that time loved. I have stayed single since I left her in 2015. Glad I did cause I wouldn't wanna spread it to another person. I stayed Single because I wanted to heal So that the next woman I meet I can be emotionally ready to take them back on. Now I find out after staying single all this time and deciding to try dating again that only 2 weeks after deciding to try again I more than likely have herpes/Hpv. I am so angry/Sad/Broken but I won't stop looking for love. I refuse to stop trying to find someone I can trust and love. I am too good of a guy to be single but not cocky overly confident!
Do you know that you are worthy? I can admit that life has thrown me some curve balls, but they have been lessons that have humbled me and strengthened my character. I remember the day I found out I had Herpes. I was in a relationship and had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer some months prior. I feared losing my life and my children. My partner held my hand through my surgery, and all was well, after having my tumor removed god blessed me with the conception of twins. It was at two months pregnant I found out that my partner had been unfaithful and dishonest about his health. I was hurt and devastated and felt ashamed. Unfortunately, my relationship ended. Herpes doesn't define me because when you have conquered a terminal illness, you realize that life is a gift. In this past year of self-reflection, I have started school, started painting as a hobby, began to get out and enjoy life and above all else love me. It took two years to get over the pain that caused me to hide and hang my head. I wore my scars on my sleeves and carried my burden on my shoulders. The cost of regret, anger, and guilt can wear you down. Then one beautiful day I awoke from my slumber, and those garments were shed. I looked myself in the mirror and said I am worthy. I replaced regret and guilt with pride and forgiveness and I replaced anger with resilience, dignity, and passion. Today my garments are clothed with badges of perseverance, patience, and wisdom. During my darkest days, I asked God to give me the strength and courage to accept the things I cannot change. I cannot change my past, but I can change my future, so you see my life is just beginning. Never let a diagnosis define you, enjoy life's simple pleasures and when the world throws you stones, don't flinch. Make waves and move mountains.
When I first got diagnosed with herpes, my heart sank. I felt completely destroyed and lost. I thought maybe I did something years before, and now it caught up with me. I second guessed everything I did and my choices. Then I found out the truth, and who was really to blame. My girlfriend of 7 years, cheated behind my back with an ex and bam here I am. This removed my internal struggle on my choices and decisions, and set my mind free. I had not made the mistake, it was another and blind sided me. I sank in a bit of depression and began drinking more to drown my pain and anger. Then I found a friend, who pointed me to this website for people who share similar health issues. I was able to meet people and talk about our situations and what comes next. This has opened my eyes and now given me a second chance in life. I will not waste this reboot on life. I am here to conquer it and get back on top of life. I get a second chance, and with it I will survive and rise above everything. Life dealt me a bad hand, but now I use it to motivate me and give myself a new passion and hunger to live again, love again, and to find a woman I can trust again completely. I feel that taking things out is answer and you may need others to lean on through the rough patches.
Dealing with herpes is a struggle within itself some worse than others. When I found out I was with a guy whom I thought I loved for years. He cheated on me left and right but I loved him so I stayed thinking back now I wish I hadn't. I didn't find out until weeks after he broke up with me for no reason at all that I was given this disease which in the beginning I thought was a death sentence. I couldn't understand why someone would do this to me.. Was I a bad person? Did I really deserve this? These are two of many questions I asked myself for years. I caught it in time where I don't need to take medicine everyday but only when I need it. But it's affected me in alot of other ways, sometimes I feel low and it's affected my chances of having kids.. I've come across many people who accept me for me with herpes and without so I'm here as living proof that this to shall pass and you will find your happiness once You loving yourself once again and Know that this isn't or wasn't your fault
Caught this hsv thing and it took a lot of understanding and research to realize what I caught. Realizing there is no cure for this disease was kind of depressing and still is. I do have hope that the U.S.A. will come up with a good vaccine for this disease. I have had to change my diet because that plays a big part in what causes outbreaks. If I eat the wrong food it can mean a bad outbreak. I find that if stick to a strict diet I don't get outbreaks.
I have yet to meet my partner. I'd like to settle down and have a family, and thought I would meet someone but haven't yet. Still hoping for the best.
As we all migrate or stumbled upon this site, i am quite sure at some point the nervousness, being unsure, or the "i will never date" again thought process has popped up at some point!! This has very easily calmed those thoughts, thats for sure. And with all the grief going on in the world its so nice to know that "we" have a option for dating and finding someone, without being judged or looked at oddly!!
I am amazed at Positive Singles for being on the cutting edge of social awareness with this site!! Have met a long term partner ( we ended our relationship because of a job transfer) and i continue to be impressed with the type of just flatout nice, genuine people on this site!
I know my worth!
Fact: I've come to terms with first being diagnosed with HIV and its no easy task! I, for one, can honestly say I've know 2 years and I'm still have not fully come to terms with it. I've dealt with depression after being diagnosed and also gained weight from depression and the medicine. Like many of you guys I thought that my life was over, especially my "love" life! I've needed this time to process my situation. Each day that passed, I have read about HIV, and have tried to change my thought process and how I once thought about myself. Being known in the city I live in wondering will anyone find out my secrete! A negative mind set is truly lethal and can certainly be one's worst enemy! One of my favorite quotes that inspires myself daily is God has the last say and He's in control of everything even this thing! . What you give power too, has power over you... if you allow it." In essence, change the way you think and it has the potential to change your world. Keeping a positive mindset is everything! God will take Care of the details!
If you are a new kid on this block, or a veteran, either way- I hope my words can help. This is my 8th year living with herpes type 1(genital). I received it from someone I loved and trusted, and had known for a few years. However, this person chose not to disclose to me that they had herpes. Talk about unpleasant surprises, and my faith in mankind completely shaken. I felt as though my little world was forever jaded and darkened. I had the, "What the 'BLANK' did you just do to me?!" conversation with my giver, and we have not spoken since. Then, I proceeded to hate myself and think very little of my future as far as relationships were concerned. It was a real dark place for awhile there. I figured life couldn't get much worse, and that I had reached a rock bottom. Boy, was I in for a rude awakening. It can get much, much worse. About a year later my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Thankfully, she survived! About another year later, my favorite person walking this earth, my aunt(my mother's sister) got the same colon cancer. She did not survive. While she(the aunt) was on her deathbed, my cousin drunkenly drove his car at an incredibly high speed into a tree. He was killed instantly, and his car was ripped in half(literally) by this tree. People, there is nothing like having to watch someone (my aunt) spend their last few months on earth suffering the agony of cancer and also then having to suffer from incredible grief (from the loss of my 22 year old cousin). What an unfortunate way to get to the other side. Then, about another year later, my father got prostate cancer. He had it removed and survived. Then, about another year later, my father got a certain type of lung cancer that I wish to not disclose here. He did not survive that one. At this time in my life, I have a new perspective. A little STD is not the end of the world. Things got so much worse, and now I know that herpes is no where near as bad as it gets. You are in charge of your view.