Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are diagnosed with genital herpes every day. For this percentage of the population this means incurable herpes and life is forever changed. I wanted to write this article just to assuage any fears you might have about your new diagnosis and sexual status.

This is not the end of the world or your sexual life by any stretch of the imagination. You did not contract genital herpes because you did anything wrong, or because you are being punished in any way. This is not your fault. Yes, maybe you made a mistake, or perhaps you trusted someone you should not have, but that was then and this is now. Time to focus and get on with it.

If you are in any way experiencing panic, excessive fear or depression, I would recommend that you see a psychologist and/or start anti viral medication right away. Studies have shown that those diagnosed with genital herpes who seek treatment within 6 months have usually returned to a healthy emotional state within one year. I know this was true in my case.

If you don't have access or insurance ASHA (ashastd.org) has a hot line you can call for free, and you receive a prescription for Zovirax or Valtrex from any sexual health clinic. Being on anti viral medication will keep the virus dormant in your body while you adjust to your new identity of being a genital herpes carrier. This is not bad, it is just different. Yes, things will be different now. But everything is always changing and it's how we frame these changes in our life that effect their impact on us. It is just a virus. It won't kill you, and it won't even really hurt you.

I have had genital herpes for over 20 years. Happy and successful. Made money, got married, have two children. Never passed the virus on to anyone. Yes, I do get outbreaks but not too many and I have a whole pot of treatments to keep them dormant or to make them go away fast. Did I mention I made those children the old fashioned way and had vaginal births with both of them? Don't be afraid.

Author's Bio: 

Nanci Elliott has been studying genital herpes for over 20 years. Her blog can be found at I Have Herpes where she writes extensively on coping with genital herpes. You can also find Nanci Elliott on articles and blogs throughout the web as well as on several educational herpes websites.