After a round of antibiotics for terrible acne, I developed intense thrush. It was awful—my vulva was constantly itchy, dry, and painfully irritated. I tried countless treatments until finally, I started a medication typically used for lung infections. It cleared the thrush almost instantly, but left my vulva incredibly dry. The skin became so sensitive it eventually started splitting and bleeding, which was even more painful than the thrush.
During this time, I was diagnosed with BV, likely from a sexual partner who had a staph infection he didn’t tell me about until after my diagnosis. I couldn’t start antibiotics without risking another bout of thrush. I felt trapped in this cycle of pain with no end in sight. Then, I began noticing small sores across my vulva, and my heart dropped when I saw the first one. When I was diagnosed with HSV-1, I was devastated. I thought my sex life was over. I felt unlovable, and worst of all, I felt dirty. I remember sitting in the shower, scrubbing my skin until it was raw, but still feeling contaminated.
The day I reached out to Ellie, I was sitting on the toilet crying from the pain of just trying to pee. I was tired of hating my vulva for all the pain it had brought me and desperately wanted to learn to love her again. Ellie connected me with herpes support group chats, where people helped me see that life with HSV can still be full and joyful. I wouldn’t change my diagnosis even if I could—it’s allowed me to educate others and help break down the stigma around STIs.
At the end of the day, HSV is such a small part of who I am. Ellie taught me love, acceptance, and empowerment, and I’m forever grateful to her. For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful and embraced, thanks to her kindness and generosity.
For support on your herpes journey, go here.
To submit a story, email ellie@comfortableinmyskin.com.au
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