How to break the stigma

The negative perceptions, stereotypes, and societal attitudes surrounding herpes infections, particularly genital herpes can have a significant impact on individuals who have herpes, influencing their emotional well-being, relationships, and social interactions.

The stigma linked to a herpes diagnosis can lead people who are recently diagnosed to believe that their life has come to an end, and they may fear that no one will ever love them again.

It's not uncommon for them to place blame on their partner, perceiving them as responsible for jeopardizing their future, potentially resulting in a deep sense of depression.

Why does herpes have such a stigma?

Negative imagery about herpes pervades pop culture and social discourse. In fact, in some circumstances, the word herpes has become almost interchangeable with dirty. This can be seen in how often the two words are linked.

Herpes is often associated with sexual activity, and there can be societal judgments and moral implications attached to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This connection between herpes and sexual behavior can contribute to the stigma surrounding the virus.

A Google search in the Spring of 2015 found more than 600,000 matches for the terms used in close proximity to each other on a website. An examination of how herpes is discussed in mainstream culture suggests that the stigma of herpes has little or nothing to do with the actual disease.

Unlike some other infections, herpes is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. This can add a sense of permanence to the stigma, as individuals may fear judgment and rejection in relationships due to the potential for transmission.

The Social Consequences for people with herpes

The concern of living with an ‘incurable’ disease such as herpes and potentially passing it on to people, paints a very bleak outlook for patients upon diagnosis of the disease. Here are some ways in which the herpes stigma can affect people with herpes:

Impact on Self-Esteem

The herpes stigma can contribute to feelings of shame and lowered self-esteem among individuals with herpes. Negative societal attitudes may cause them to internalize these feelings, affecting their confidence and mental well-being.

Disclosure Anxiety

People with herpes may experience anxiety and fear when it comes to disclosing their herpes status to potential partners. The fear of rejection, judgment, or discrimination can be overwhelming, leading some individuals to avoid dating altogether.

Rejection and Judgment

The stigma surrounding herpes can lead to rejection and judgment from potential partners, even if the virus is effectively managed with medication and precautions. Some people may lack accurate information about the virus, leading to misconceptions and unfounded fears.

Limited Dating Pool

Due to the stigma, individuals with herpes might feel limited in their dating pool, as some people may choose to avoid dating someone with a herpes diagnosis. This limitation can make it challenging for individuals with herpes to find understanding and accepting partners.

Some people might choose to avoid dating individuals with a herpes diagnosis

The stigma surrounding herpes is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and historical influences. Misinformation about the virus often perpetuates myths and misconceptions, contributing to fear and judgment.

Several factors contribute to why some people might choose to avoid dating individuals with a herpes diagnosis. It's important to note that these concerns are often rooted in misconceptions and lack of accurate information about the virus. Common concerns include:

• Fear of Infection: One of the primary concerns is the fear of contracting herpes. Many people are unaware of the transmission risks and preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
• Misinformation: Misinformation and myths about the virus. People may believe that herpes is more contagious or severe than it actually is.
• Emotional Impact: There may be concerns about the emotional impact of being in a relationship with someone who has herpes. This could include worries about the potential for emotional distress, stigma, or the impact on the relationship itself.
• Sexuality and morality: Sexuality and morality play a role in perpetuating the stigma. Herpes, being a sexually transmitted infection, is sometimes associated with notions of promiscuity or immoral behavior, adding a layer of judgment to the stigma.

While some people may reject people with herpes due to deep-seated stigmas and misconceptions, it is crucial to challenge these biases through education, awareness, and open communication.

• Is it possible to have HSV-2 and not pass it to your partner?
• What percentage of men have HSV-2?
• Should herpes be a dealbreaker?
• Can I still have casual hookups with herpes?