Question:
I am totally devistated. I dont even know what to do next. It feels like all of my dreams growing up have been shattered. Im only 17 years old, and have always considered myself a good kid. One mistake has altered my life forever. All of these negitive thoughts are running though my head...."How will i ever be able to find a partner after i explain to them that i have herpes", "How will i have children", "How am i going to act like the same person around my friends knowing that i have an STD that i am going to die with." It feels like all of my dreams are up in flames. Please send me some feedback... i feel like i am lost.


Scott

Answer:
Hi Scott

I think most of us on here, who've known we've had this virus for quite some time, know exactly what you're going through. I thought exactly like you - although I have to say I'm 'a bit' older!

If you've read some of the more positive posts on here you'll be getting the impression that life DOES go on. And it gets better it really does. There's plently of posts I've read on here from people who've gone on to have children and to have loving relationships - both with people who have the virus and with people who have not.

And be assured you're not alone. Someone on here called this virus an epidemic because so many people have it - as many as 1 in 4 (women).

Keep coming on here and getting your questions answered - there'll be a million going round your mind I'm sure. But you also need some time to get used to the idea and to get over the shock - or at least I did.

Good luck

Answer:
Hey i'm about your age (18), And i guess it's been a month now since i was diagnosed. I can feel like the end of the world, but it's not. Be thankful this was the only thing you got out of a mistake. You're not dead, You're not in jail, you just have something that makes life uncomfortable sometimes. But i was always the good kid and it happened to me. I doesn't matter how much you try, it can happen to anyone. Good Luck! We're always here for you!!

Answer:
It's not the end of your world! I have a very close friend with this virus and I can tell you it's not the end. First of all, you have to realize that many people have the virus, some are carriers and may not even know they are and they unknowingly pass it to others! At least you know and now is the time to be responsible and behave like an adult (even at your young age). Always be upfront with your partners and inform them before you are intimate! This virus does not determine who you are and the integrity you can lead your life from here forward. You determine that for yourself! Best of luck, and realize that this does not define who you are.

Answer:
Scott,
Im 19 and just found out on Feb. 16th that i have herpes. I got it from a cold sore my husband has. I no how you feel, I'm terrified and even tho you read that millions of people have this disease you still feel like your the only one. The past couple days i have been crying and a wreck. But by joining this site and realizing that it could be worse has helped. Its not the end of the world and im sure your a good kid and you will find a partner that excepts you, all of you including having this. Im just as scared as you and devastated but each day you will feel better little by little.


Amber

Answer:
Scott,
Just be responsible... I have a friend who didn't have herpes, her bf did... they are now married and have 2 children. I'm not sure if she has herpes now or not, but she must have decided that having children was worth the risk. It's not the end of your life and it is definately something we can all live with....
As for your friends, you don't have to tell the whole world, unless you want to educate them by your situation.

~rayne~

Answer:
Scott,
First I want to say thta just b/c you got HSV, it doesn't mean you are not a good kid...it just means that luck wasn't on your side that day. I understand how you feel, life is different with HSV. As other people have said just BE HONEST. I am not going to lie and tell you everythign will be fine and blah blah blah- but I can tell you that life is different and more difficult to have relationships, that being said you will be okay!
As far as your friends and family are concerned. I felt the same way and had the same concerns. The friends that know have been AMAZING- they haven't judged me, they ahve just been very helpful and understanding.
When I was your age (I know I sound old, but I"m not) a friend of mine got genital warts and I went with her to all her Dr. appointments. I was still a virgin and never judged her for it. She was my friend, i loved/cared about the person she was, end of story. If your friends judge you they are not your friends. You having HSV will not affect their life directly and I guarentee they are not perfect.
We are here if you need to chat...feel free to msg anytime!