I'm 17 and Just Diagnosed with Genital Herpes

by Jill
(Queensland, Australia)

I've recently discovered I have genital herpes and I'm slowly coming to terms with it!


At first I was in denial of the infection. I had blisters so I researched herpes and knew straight away I had it. I've had a partner for 3 and a half years. He was the only intimate partner I've ever had. Up until recently we broke up and I got very intoxicated and slept with a guy I didn't know so well. We wore protection although I guess I still contracted the infection.

When I first found out I honestly wanted to die. I always wanted to join the air force but the chances were ruined now. I thought about children and how I could possibly pass it on to them in the future. I thought, "Who would want me now?" I felt dirty and depressed that I wanted to die.

But as the long sleepless nights went on, the smaller and smaller a deal it became. I did some research to really get my head around it, and I look at it now as more of a skin disease as opposed to an STD. Your dating in the future isn't ruined, your life isn't over. You've just fallen down and all you have to do is pick yourself up and say "Hey I'm not a dirty person; there are millions of people out there fighting aids/cancer. I'm still a great person".

Don't let herpes change who you are. Accept the fact that you have to have a few uncomfortable conversations in the future with potential sexual partners and you might have to deal with a few nasty itchy blisters, but other than that your fine. I think support groups are great and remember, there are people out there who are going through the same thing as you are :)

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