Have you ever laughed when a friend said “She probably has herpes” about someone you didn’t like?
If so, you’ve contributed to the stigma associated with herpes infection.
The Impact of Herpes Stigma
The negative impact that a positive herpes test has on someone’s life can be enormous.
The stigma associated with herpes can make a newly diagnosed person may feel that their life is over or that no one will ever love them again. They may blame their partner for ruining their future and may sink into severe depression.
Genital herpes, typically caused by HSV-2, is contagious. It causes genital lesions and sores and it is rarely associated with severe health problems, more commonly among people who are immunocompromised. It can be deadly for newborn infants.
Oral herpes, which is usually caused by a different infection, HSV-1, is very common. While it isn’t usually sexually transmitted (except sometimes during oral sex), the name often carries the same stigma as genital herpes.
Sources of 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. 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. One user’s definition of herpes by association on the site Urban Dictionary states that it is
There are also numerous other pop culture examples such as the lyrics of the Industrial Revolution song Immortal Techniques, which state, “My metaphors are dirty like herpes but harder to catch.”
The Social Consequences
The stigma around herpes can have substantial individual and societal consequences.
Herpes stigma is bad for individual mental health since it is linked to increased stress, depression, and other negative emotional consequences. Herpes stigma is bad for physical health since it may make a person less likely to seek a diagnosis and treatment. Herpes stigma is also bad for society. It may even increase the rates of transmission in the population. After all, concerns about stigma and rejection are a major reason why people don’t disclose herpes infections to their partners.
It’s important that you get medical attention if you think that you might have herpes, another sexually transmitted infection (STI), or another genital infection. Most of these conditions can be treated but will worsen if they aren’t treated. And they can cause serious issues down the road—like decreased fertility or birth defects.
Additionally, causes of genital lesions vary, ranging from skin conditions to infections, to cancer. And each condition is treated with a specific medication.
Keep in mind that if you are not diagnosed and treated, you could transmit an STI to a partner, who could potentially experience serious consequences. Certainly, you didn’t get herpes on purpose. It’s best to get past the stigma and to take care of your health as soon as possible.
