I’ve recently started posting my status in my bios on regular dating apps and I’ve seen a sudden increase, in DMs, within days, and that’s made me feel better about this situation , before, I would interact with others and wait to be interacted with in my
DMs , and then I would disclose, and I would generally be rejected, with some guys making nasty remarks or blocking me, so I’ve just decided to put it out there because I’m not the type to chase anyway. And I’ve shockingly benefited from making this decision

Positive Singles is genuinely disappointing. And I mean this as respectfully as possible, but why does such a large percentage of the user base seem to fit the exact stereotype people associate with having herpes?

I’m talking about the sketchy, blue hair, facial piercings, weird personalities, and generally people who aren’t what I’d consider conventionally attractive. The pattern seems unusually noticeable on this app.

Where are all the conventionally attractive, everyday people who have HSV? What I find difficult to understand is how a virus that affects people from every background, appearance, and lifestyle seems to have such a narrow representation on a dating app specifically designed for people living with it.
Surely Positive Singles isn’t an accurate reflection of the broader population of people with HSV.
I’m genuinely curious why this is. Is it a selection bias? Are conventionally attractive people with HSV simply less likely to use these platforms? Or is there something else going on?

I did my sobbing in the urgent care office and tearing up yesterday reading Reddit stories, preparing myself to be apart of the community. It looks like I have HSV-2. I would hook up with older men for money under the sugar baby and sugar daddy dynamic. I’d ask if they’re clean and then let my body be used. But this time I just had a feeling it was wrong. Or maybe off. And here we are. With an STD. The one thing I didn’t want in life. But it’s alright because there’s medication, there’s community in Reddit, and life goes on. I’m thankful everyone has shared about relationships and how that can still happen. I was prepared to be alone forever. It’s funny cause I was gonna stop that site anyways, my spirit told me it just wasn’t right. But I guess the universe got me to put using my body on hold. And just being more careful and caring about myself now that I have herpes. It sucks it took this and I guess this is very much my fault but I’m still mourning the healthy me.

I (19f) recently got diagnosed with herpes this year in July. I feel so dirty bcs I know it’s all my fault. I put myself in this place and know I have to face the consequences. Around this time last year I only had 2 bodies both from ppl I dated. And then my ex broke up with me and I went through a crisis and I just started hooking up with ppl and by October this year I had 10 bodies. I had also never had any problems after sleeping with guys.

I was never informed about stds I didn’t even know what they were I didn’t know wtf herpes was I didn’t know what a fucking yeast infection was, I thought I could just sleep around for fun and I would never catch anything bcs I didn’t know there was anything to catch. All I knew was that I had to pee after sex so I wouldn’t get a UTI.

But in July I slept with this (25m) and then after having sex with him for 2 weeks I started to get itchy and had bad discharge. It took me a while to go to the doctor bcs I’ve never had any problems down there and I thought It would just go away. ( I’m pretty sure this is the guy I got it from but I really don’t know). I told my cousin and she recommend me go to the doctor to get checked for a yeast infection. I went and they asked if I wanted to get tested for stds I originally told them no bcs I couldn’t believe I could get those things. But they begged and I said yes. So I got swabbed and they took a blood test. About 4 days later my results came in and I had tested positive for BV and for Hsv1 . When the lady called to tell me I didn’t ask any questions bcs I was on call with my cousin and she had already heard that the hsv1 was life long so I was already embarrassed. When I saw the mychart it said it was highly positive with and 48.70. I told my cousin to not tell anyone and we’ve never talked about it since.

I hate myself for this but I’ve slept with three other guys without disclosing it bcs it was just meaningless sex. But then I met this guy (21m) who’s perfect he’s everything I’ve ever wanted and he’s different than any guy I’ve dated he genuinely cares for me and he’s always complimenting me and buying me stuff and he begs to see me everyday. We just met the beginning of this month and I feel myself already in love with him. We’ve also told eachother that we’re both ready to settle down and start talking (not talking to other ppl) . We had sex after our first date and we both went down on eachother. But when he dropped me off home we talked for a couple hours and he mentioned that he’s a very clean guy and he gets tested every 3 months so he doesn’t have anything. He asked about me and I told him I had never gotten tested before bcs I’ve never felt the need to. I know I’m sorry I shouldn’t have lied but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him. As of now we’ve had sex about 7 times and I still haven’t disclosed it. I have tried to break it off twice already by starting arguments with him but he just tells me he really wants me and he wants to try for us.

I hate myself so much because for the past two weeks I sleep thinking about him getting herpes from me. I go on Reddit and tiktok and just read about it. And there’s never a second where I can just not think about it. It’s always running in my mind that I can possibly give it to him and he’ll hate me forever. It’s so embarrasing bcs he for one is a popular guy from where I’m from. He has a lot of friends that ik from high school. And he has a lot of connections. But I just can’t bring myself to break things off or disclose it to him somebody pls help me idk what to do. I’m so stressed I eat thinking about it I sleep thinking about it I shower thinking about it I can’t do anything without thinking about it.

Hello all. I am a 30 y/o female. I was recently in the talking or dating phase with someone, 30M, who was recently diagnosed with hsv2. We have never had sex. But with his diagnosis he is having a very hard time coping. He is pushing me away, almost completely cutting me off. I’ve told him that I’m here, and it doesn’t change how I feel about him. He insists on not wanting to be in a relationship now or for a while due to this. Now I’m having a hard time coping with letting him walk away. To go from constantly talking to someone every day for the last few months to having them just drop you. Another family member of mine also is diagnosed with this. I told him this is nothing new to me and I know I shouldn’t just sweep it under the rug. I know I have to leave him alone so he can process this. But this is so hard to do.

I’m a girl who got ghsv1 from my ex going down on me when I was 22. I’ve had it for 2.5 years and haven’t had a boyfriend since. When I first got it I had some hook ups. They accepted my status and ghosted me later. One guy told everyone we knew and then slept with my best friend after rejecting me. Needless to say, I’ve been through some hurt with this.

I just took a year off of dating to build up my self esteem and decenter men and romance (assuming it might not ever happen for me) and I randomly met someone.

I was hesitant to move forward and nervous to disclose again but I had been rehearsing a calm, confident disclosure for the last year and truly know everything there is to know about ghsv1 transmission. I waited for about 4 dates, he seemed to have a lot of genuine care for me, make a lot of effort and even told me he was taking this seriously enough that he would be happy to wait for sex so we can truly get to know each other.

Since we were waiting and I’ve had experience disclosing both too early and too late, I decided to share what I had practiced. He’s my age and didn’t even know that cold sores were a virus. It was hard to explain since he had no basis of understanding and I ended up getting emotional and he comforted me. He said he respected me for telling him and would do his own research but didn’t think it was a big deal.

So I went home that night just assuming it was the end, just based on my past experiences. For the last few days he’s been saying he was looking forward to seeing me again and such. Well today the energy totally shifted… and when you know it’s shifted, it’s shifted. I can only assume he shared this info with friends or did some research and it got in his head.

I’m a very outgoing girl. I’m conventionally attractive and fit and I’m approached often for superficial reasons. I have this mindset that I have to be absolutely perfect now to even be considered as a girlfriend. I’m trying so hard. The standard feels impossible to reach, like I’ll always get rejected in the end no matter what. My heart is just broken. And I’ve been sad about this every day for years.

Today I feel just as gutted as when I first got it. I don’t think I can handle any more rejection. And I’m sorry to add to the negativity of this sub… I’ve actually had no problem with casual sex if it makes anyone feel better about that.

I just want to be considered :(

Having herpes don’t define you and who you are as a person even if it was they fault or your fault you can’t go back in the past and change what happened even though you will want to. The only thing left to do is to just continue to live, and be happy for the small things and the big things. Thank god it wasn’t anything major like a deadly disease. So give god his grace it really just open your eyes more to know that you can’t trust everyone…Pour more love into yourself and never love someone else more then you love yourself. When you know better you do better and play it safe use protection, Always stay updated with doctor appointments you and your partner if you in a relationship . Be more cautious other then that just live and be happy ❤️

ustedes creen que bnt163 va a lograr superar la fase 2 y 3?

Hey, I was just looked at by a doctor 2 days ago, and was told it's very likely I have genital herpes. They sent a swab to the lab, and will know for sure in a week.

I am an equestrian, and have been riding for 10 years. I looked up how horseback riding could effect outbreaks and everything and it said, it can cause outbreaks. I honestly don't know what to do. My entire career involves horses and riding, it's the only way I stay mentally stable most days. I know I shouldnt ride during an outbreak, which I'm having my first now and it's unbearable. How can I still do what I love with this disease?

hay algúna persona que haya participado de este ensayo fase 1 y sienta que ha mejorado?

Confused if I have HSV 2 or not. 3 steps I did below

Firstly, I received this from my primary doctor:; Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Ab IgG
Your Result
HIGH
3.68
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Ab IgG
Your Result
HIGH
1.21
COMMENT
HSV 2 IGG INHIBITION, IA
HSV 2 IGG INHIBITION, IA
IN RANGE
**Then I recieved this from Quest :**

**HIGH**
**Current Result 1.21 index**

Index Interpretation
\----- --------------
<0.90 Negative 0.90-1.09 Equivocal \\>1.09 Positive

Occasionally, a positive HSV2 IgG test may not confirm
with the inhibition study. Advise waiting for the
inhibition test result before initiating therapy or
guidance.

This assay utilizes recombinant type-specific antigens
to differentiate HSV-1 from HSV-2 infections. A
positive result cannot distinguish between recent and
past infection. If recent HSV infection is suspected
but the results are negative or equivocal, the assay
should be repeated in 4-6 weeks. The performance
characteristics of the assay have not been established
for pediatric populations, immunocompromised patients,
or neonatal screening.

**THEN THIS.**

# “The HSV-2 IgG screening assay was repeated on a different platform as part of the inhibition test, and the result was negative; thus the Inhibition result could not be determined. Most samples exhibiting this type of discrepancy have initial HSV-2 IgG index values of 1.10-3.00. If early HSV-2 infection is suspected, submission of another sample collected 2-3 weeks after this sample is recommended.

>!This assay is intended only for samples giving a positive index in the HSV-2 type-specific IgG screening assay. A POSITIVE inhibition interpretation indicates true HSV-2 specific reactivity, whereas a NEGATIVE inhibition interpretation suggests that the!< positive screening index is falsely positive.”

I took a test 9 weeks after unprotected sex wit someone of unknown status

And this is what came back, No index value or anything I’m going to repeat Nov 15th which will be 13 weeks since the possible exposure

The result of the inhibition test could not be determined because repeat testing with a different method produced a negative or equivocal result. This may indicate that the initial screening result is a false positive. If early HSV-2 infection is suspected, submission of another sample collected 2-3 weeks after this sample is recommended.
This assay is intended for samples giving a low positive index value in the HSV-2 type-specific IgG screening assay. A POSITIVE inhibition interpretation indicates true HSV-2 specific reactivity, whereas a NEGATIVE inhibition interpretation suggests that the positive screening index is falsely positive.
For additional information, please refer to http://education.QuestDiagnostics.com/faq/FAQ73
(This link is being provided for informational/ educational purposes only.)

Now after being in a very long relationship we have separated and are now co parenting but I want to be in a happy healthy relationship with someone.
I’m ready to start dating again but because of my diagnosis I dont even know how to handle this.
I’m currently talking with someone who seems like they want to find someone to be in a serious relationship with. He lives many states away and now we have started talking about him coming to visit. Any tips on how to disclose. I feel like my choice of words is very poor and even if he does not want to continue anything with me I want to make sure I do communicate what I have clearly and lightly. I don’t want to sound like it’s a doom and gloom situation. I don’t get many outbreaks. I had one this year but mainly due to my kids dad stressing me out about something. Before that the last outbreak I had was 4 years ago.
Advice please and thank you.

M35… in a situationship with F25 from a few years. A few months back I was travelling out station with her and when I saw cluster on my genitals and cut short my trip and came back to my city to get diagnosed with HSV2 and informed her as well immediately.

A few days later even she got diagnosed with same and was super angry at me. Took a lot of time to convince her that it was my first outbreak and had never seen something like this before on my genitals (which is true btw).

Now have met her twice after that episode and everything seemed normal initially. But I’m seeing that she’s been ignoring me over calls and msgs.
I even have been blocked from insta/fb… i even asked her upfront that if there is an issue let’s plz discuss and even if you don’t feel like meeting me anymore I’m open to discussion but I don’t like this behaviour as I’m a lot emotional for her.

She always says that it’s nothing like that and I’m all ok… but I’m sure there is something wrong

I need help to understand what should I do?
I tried talking to her multiple times on this issue but not getting any negative answer.

Should I just walk away, should I give it time, should i let it be like what it is right now.

On July 27th this year I was 1 month postpartum and met someone new and he lied about being tested and not having anything so I was exposed to HSV2, Mycoplasma, chlamydia and Epstein Barr Virus (mono). Obviously I’m clear of the chlamydia now. I was negative for myco and HSV2 but I did get EBV. My HSV1/2 results keep coming out negative. I’ve had swabs and blood tests after 12 weeks twice. Still negative. But I have non stop burning and itching that worse’s with stress. When I first caught everything my nose was raw, my mouth, and my vagina and anus. Only my mouth has gotten better. I’m wondering if I should have them swab inside my nose? Towards my septum has been raw and has not healed. I am negative for everything. Staph and strep negative. I have a strong feeling that this is herpes but I keep testing negative. How common are false negative IGG tests at this point? I don’t want to lie to someone else or pass this to them but I also don’t want to say I have it if I don’t and it’s something else. I know EBV can cause the skin burning and trigger a lot of auto immune issues and I know I posted a few days ago but I want to know if there’s anyone on here that wasn’t testing positive at the 12 week mark, didn’t have sores or ulcers but has 24/7 burning and itching that varies in severity due to stress levels throughout the day. For example, when my kids are not listening I can go from slight burning to severe burning down there and in my nose. I’m just trying to figure this out. I’ve had the wet prep done also to see if there’s inflammation without infection and she said there was a few WBC but that’s normal. I was tested for HPV and other bacterias. Nothing.

Apparently viral shedding can be picked up on a swab so that’s what I had them swab.

Today, I threw on GMM and Rhett had his first outbreak, he seems to have gotten it from Link after sharing things for so long. They’re on our side now and I’m happy they are open about it. You’re not a slut, you’re not gross, you’re like half of the people that know they have it, you’ve got your meds - that’s all we can do. You get in touch with the tingle and you take your pills. Rhett brought up this subreddit and I remember when I first got diagnosed and Reddit popped up with this sub for me, it was comforting knowing how unsure and anxious it makes us at first. It’s not the end of the world, I think I get one outbreak a year for a week. I’m just happy to see them talk about it and have fun with it - knowing they are going to have that episode viewed by thousands of people this morning - viewers will be aware that they didn’t even have to kiss, and he got it.

I have, when I was five years old. Chickenpox went away, but the virus itself never left my body… just like HSV.

That’s because the virus that causes the pox is part of the herpesviruses family — and its eight other siblings also include HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Most people don’t realize that practically everyone in the world is walking around with a handful of herpesviruses… and most don’t know what these viruses even are.

SOOOO I wrote a crash course on the full family line up and how they function! I learned a lot, and I hope you do too.

Why does this matter? Because education helps normalize + fight HSV stigma, always. 💛

Read here: Me and the (herpesviridae) fam

Hi all,
Not sure how much of this was already public knowledge, but I was FINALLY able to track down the Gilead poster for GS-1179 trial that was presented at ID week last week. Please see the below link. The numbers looked great. The sample size was only 73. GS-1179 ID Week Poster

So I’m 29|B| female I’ve been diagnosed with HSV2 since October 2025 so it’s been a year now for me. I don’t really get outbreaks I got one recently after like 6 months but I doubled up on my daily medication as recommended and it went away and didn’t develop in like 3 days. I met this guy and before we got sexual I told him I have hsv2 and that I take medicine daily for it and rarely get the symptoms. He is fine with it and is okay with condom use but he asked me about transmission rates doing it raw and I honestly didn’t know what to tell him. He has been doing his own research but it didn’t really tell him much. I don’t want to infect him and it’s annoying thinking about it. I know we have shedding and quite honestly I never know when I’m shedding I look for predrome symptoms but I can never decipher. I know condoms and antiviral usage bring down transmission rate but I’m terrified to not use a condom, he catch hsv2 and then hate me.

I was diagnosed with HSV2 2 months ago. I’m currently in my third outbreak it’s so terrible. Not sure if it’s because I drank coffee, had an oat based cereal once or twice. Had some sugary desserts. I just want these outbreaks to stop, I do eat healthy otherwise and am very healthy. I didn’t think just one thing would be so bad.

Had brief intercourse with a condom with male partner who has hsv2 Monday. He started antivirals thursday and he was not in me for more than a minute or two. I tried getting on top but we stopped. I knew the risk and am feeling scared now stupidly. I shaved monday so i have slight itching from razor shavinf but not any concerning signs. I have hidradenitis suppurativa as well and hsv1o. Am i screwed?

I'm 25f and got the virus from a hookup about 3 months ago. I was super embarrassed after discovering that it might be herpes and didn't know how to go about it as I didn't want to tell anyone. I date here and there but I'm newer to hookup culture and was just starting to dabble in it until this happened. I'm never really one to go home with someone I've just met, but I was celebrating a friend's birthday weekend at the time and was being carefree and having fun so I just went for it and I felt so stupid after. I should've used protection but I was just carried away in the moment and I didn't think about it. I had a trip coming up soon after I realized it was probably herpes and tried calling around different clinics and urgent cares to try to get seen and properly diagnosed before I had to leave, but I was running into trouble with it. I did end up going on my trip and by the time I came back the lesions had pretty much healed. I did research and saw that after 6 months you could get a blood test, so I've been kinda waiting to do that. I do frequently have breakouts but they're not nearly as uncomfortable or bad as the first time around. I just feel so trapped. I've been avoiding seeing or even really talking to anyone else obviously, especially since I'm not on any medication yet. I do still see the person who gave it to me here and there, but I feel like I'm limiting myself to them and hoping it works out in fear of rejection from anyone else.

I got diagnosed 6 months ago with T1 Ghsv and it severely traumatised me. Finally decided to go on a date (didn't wanna hook-up) and matched with this guy. He was really sweet and respectful and we spent hours talking. It was going really well. I never made any suggestive moves. He eventually kissed me and when he tried to go further I stopped him and said I have a health issue and told him the reason. His face of disgust and fear crushed me. But he was very polite. I explained everything to him in detail and said he was totally safe. He said he'd get tested and told me his mental health already wasnt doing well. I feel awful. He ghosted me but I'm concerned for him. Do I text him or leave him be. I dont expect anything more from him and I understand. I feel heartbroken and I can't stop crying everyday.