If you’re looking for support, Feel free to join thousands of others who are part of ASHA’s STI support forum hosted through Inspire.com. online (free registration required). This forum allows users to post and interact with others but that’s not necessary to participate: You can simply choose to search the hundreds of discussions covering STI topics such as testing, treatment, transmission, and talking with partners. Note that the forum doesn’t offer direct medical advice or opinions regarding symptoms (we can offer referrals to a free clinic, though, no problem).
The groups listed here are not sponsored or endorsed by ASHA, and are entirely responsible for their activities and the content of their websites.
Honeycomb Support Forum
This is a discussion forum for people affected by herpes simplex virus (HSV) with more than 70,000 members where you can talk openly and honestly. If you’ve been feeling afraid, alone, isolated or confused prepare to feel a whole lot better. You are among friends here and our support crew can help you realize just how normal and common this skin condition is.
The STI Project Private Facebook Group
Support group helping people with HSV break through fear, shame, & stigma! If you feel overwhelmed about having herpes, or simply, you’re stuck wrestling with the immense stigma that comes with a herpes diagnosis, then you’re in the right place!
Herpes Home Page Support Forum
While not active currently, the forum has an extensive archive of posts about managing symptoms, relationship, and success stories of happiness after herpes.
Below is a listing of local support groups in various states in the U.S. You can also search MeetUp.com for more herpes support groups and meetups in your area.
AZ
Prescott Herpes Support Group
Prescott, AZ
hsgprescott@gmail.com
CA
Bay Area Friends
San Francisco, CA
www.bayareafriends.org
Bay Area Friends Meetup
FL
Central Florida H2O Group
Orlando, FL
https://sites.google.com/site/centralflh20group/
IA
DSMHSV
Des Moines, IA
https://dsmhsv.com/
IN
Indy HELP
Indianapolis, IN
www.indyhelp.com
MI
Metro Detroit HELP
Detroit, MI
https://www.metrodetroithelp.org/
MA
Boston HELP
BostonHerpes.org
781.648.4266
OH
Ohio Friends Support for Herpes and HPV
614-526-4461 (voicemail or text)
www.ohiofriends.org
info@ohiofriends.org
ON
Toronto HELP
c/o The Phoenix Association
Toronto, ON
(416) 449-0876
www.torontoherpes.com
Last update: 01/2021
A paper published ahead of print in Sexually Transmitted Diseases finds that commercial blood tests commonly used to diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV) are frequently not reliable, especially in those with “low positive” results.
The best way for couples to deal with herpes is to talk about it openly and make decisions together. So what’s the best way to start the conversation?
Support groups provide information and allow participants to share experiences, fears, and feelings with others who are concerned about herpes.
Most people with herpes won’t experience symptoms, but knowing what to look for can make you more aware.
Think you can tell that a rash or sore is a genital herpes infection just by looking at it? If you said “no,” you’re right. You can’t. And neither can your healthcare provider.
While there is no cure for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, there are various treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and control outbreaks.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
ABOUT
GET INVOLVED
ASHA WEBSITES
GET HELP
© 2024 American Sexual Health Association