Most singles over age 50 think they’re no longer at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In 2009, AARP asked older singles how committed they felt to condoms. Only one in five said they used them every time, 32% of the … [Read more...] about Dating After 50: Are Condoms Still Necessary?
STDs
Podcast: What You Need To Know About Getting Tested For STIs
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Laurie discusses what you need to know about getting tested for STIs. You'll also hear answers to listener-submitted questions, and get Dr. Laurie's take on "Sex in the News." … [Read more...] about Podcast: What You Need To Know About Getting Tested For STIs
“Someone Just Told Me She Has Herpes. Can We Date?”
“Someone Just Told Me She Has Herpes. Can We Date?” First off, I want to thank you for being willing to pursue the route of even asking this question in the first place. That speaks to the quality of investment you have in your … [Read more...] about “Someone Just Told Me She Has Herpes. Can We Date?”
The Power Of Disclosing Your Herpes Status To A Friend
“Should I tell my friends about my herpes diagnosis?” is actually an uncommon question people ask me. It has come up recently perhaps because of the recent media attention mental health has gotten. Generally, people believe the … [Read more...] about The Power Of Disclosing Your Herpes Status To A Friend
Good Sex—The Spectrum of Safety and Pleasure
On September 29, 2024, we hosted our first Something Positive for Positive People Safe Sex Expo in New York City. The intention of this expo was to implement an intervention program to address the gaps in STI prevention that … [Read more...] about Good Sex—The Spectrum of Safety and Pleasure
Two Ways Self-Rejection Impacts People with Herpes
Rejection is something that I’m all too familiar with. By definition, rejection is refusal to accept something from someone, which can be boiled down to someone just saying “no.” … [Read more...] about Two Ways Self-Rejection Impacts People with Herpes
Disclosing With No Diagnosis
My previous article, How Do I Disclose For My Partner In Our Non-Monogamous Relationship?, got me a little bit of kickback from some readers. I wanted to believe it was due to them just reading the headline/title and not the … [Read more...] about Disclosing With No Diagnosis
How Do I Disclose For My Partner In Our Non-Monogamous Relationship?
A few times now, I’ve gotten questions from someone who doesn’t have herpes about being in a non-monogamous relationship with someone who does have herpes. The concerns range from concerns about disclosing on behalf of that … [Read more...] about How Do I Disclose For My Partner In Our Non-Monogamous Relationship?
Who Gave Me Herpes?
This is for the person looking for an answer to this question. While on the surface what you may be seeking is just to understand how you got it and when you got it, there are several potential undercurrents of thoughts gathering … [Read more...] about Who Gave Me Herpes?
When A Partner Changes Their Mind
Hi Courtney, My boyfriend and I are going through a breakup. We dated for 3.5 years and one of his main reasons for breaking up is having to use condoms. He doesn’t have herpes, and I do. That’s some of the deepest heartache … [Read more...] about When A Partner Changes Their Mind
Just Diagnosed With Herpes—Should I Only Date People Who Have It Too?
When someone is newly diagnosed with a health condition that is contagious, I think it’s normal to have the thought of “nobody wants this.” I think about COVID, a cold, the flu, etc. The thing about those is that they take you out … [Read more...] about Just Diagnosed With Herpes—Should I Only Date People Who Have It Too?
Five Things To Ask Yourself Before Dating Someone With Herpes
Discordant relationships in the herpes community are common. According to the 2021 HSV survey conducted by Something Positive for Positive People, a 501c3 non profit dedicated to connecting people navigating herpes stigma to … [Read more...] about Five Things To Ask Yourself Before Dating Someone With Herpes