All names have been changed, to respect their privacy.

About 6 years ago after a few months with my new partner I contracted HSV2 genitally. He was diagnosed with it but failed to tell me until I had my first flare up. I was so embarrassed I didn’t go to a doctor and just lived with the outbreaks until I fell pregnant about 2 years into the relationship.

I got outbreaks every couple weeks and also started getting oral breakouts, so finally I got seen as I was in fear for the birth of our baby. They did swabs and bloods, and then confirmed I had both HSV1 and HSV2. I was put on daily antivirals in the lead up to the birth of a healthy baby. I was able to have a normal vaginal delivery, as there were no signs of any outbreaks at the time.

I stayed on antivirals for about a year after birth, as being tired all the time did lead to more frequent outbreaks. Most recently I was put on steroids for an allergic reaction, and now I have started having HSV2 breakouts behind my knee! I haven’t got pictures of my genital outbreaks, but I have attached a photo of behind my knee.

I’m single now and have only had positive reactions when I disclose this information. I have even had a ‘me too’ moment with a guy on a first date! I still get outbreaks every now and then, but it’s not something I lose sleep over or worry about now, because I know how common it is and the judgmental people aren’t for me anyways.