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Also, if you do not have insurance and cannot afford to see a regular doctor repeatedly to determine actual cause, you should check with local hospitals to see if they have a clinic onsite. Many hospitals do, and they offer services at discounted rates or on a sliding fee scale based on income. Instead, you will see an intern who consults with a supervising doctor regarding every patient. Some even have free yearly reproductive screenings that will cover up to so many dollars if you make under a certain amount every year. Also inquire about getting any lab work you need done "outside" of the hospital, at independent lab facilities such as Quest Diagnostics. So much more affordable than the hospital.
As for not dating at all until you know what the cause is definitely, I applaud you for taking responsibility on that front. Give yourself time to learn about other things and hone your talents in other areas. Maybe you'll end up meeting someone very nice who will be supportive of you even if you don't know. If so, don't write it off. Just be careful. Use protection and you should both be just fine.
Touch is an amazing experience. I've seen too many people end up alienating themselves because of similar circumstances and that made them even more depressed. Not saying you are this way, just something to keep in mind.View Thread

That what gives the negative stigma associated with HSV2 (not HSV1) is the fact that it's often transmitted sexually so people freak out like it's something deadly or insanely horrible. The truth is that many people don't even know that they have it. Even if they've contracted it, it often lies dormant. Outbreaks are often a result of stress.
With both HSV1 and HSV2, if you eat healthy, treat your body well, and live a low-stress life and outbreaks will be minimal, if non-existent.
Honestly, 20 years ago, no one batted an eyelash if someone had a cold sore. Now, people get all weird about it. My mom used to get them all of the time. Then she changed her diet and she hasn't had one in years. She always gave me lots of kisses growing up and I never got one either. My sister has HSV2. She got it from her old boyfriend that she was with for three years. She's had a couple of partners since. All have been committed relationships where she was upfront about her diagnosis and none of them cared.
As odd as it may sound, many people who do end up with an STD get one because they trust their partner and have unprotected sex.
I do suggest you do some research to know all of the facts and to ease your mind. It is not a death sentence, not even close. It's no more damning than catching a cold. The symptoms go away after a few days and you're fine.
Do note that many people do think just as you do because they're not in the know. "Ignorance breeds fear." Perhaps, once you've educated yourself a bit more, you will take it upon yourself to educate others too. Show them it is normal and nothing to be ashamed of and no one will think less of you or them.View Thread

1. It is very common.
2. It cannot harm people more than the inconvenience of some mild pain and swelling in the affected area that goes away within days on it's own. Maybe a little embarrassing, like a shiny new pimple on the tip of your nose.
3. It is not an STD - no severe negative stigma and no possible complications with pregnancy and other reproductive functions.View Thread
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