Sure, STDs Are Awkward To Talk About, But So Is Telling Your Bae You Have Genital Herpes
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Sure, STDs Are Awkward To Talk About, But So Is Telling Your Bae You Have Genital Herpes

When was the last time you got tested, and is that a weird question to ask?

342
Sure, STDs Are Awkward To Talk About, But So Is Telling Your Bae You Have Genital Herpes
Photo Credit @Mkeebey

S-T-D's...We are talking about Sexually Transmitted Diseases people! Don't let these words scare you. In fact, they should intrigue you!

About 60% of people under 50 years have Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. Ok, now not only should THIS scare you, but you should also be concerned. What are we doing wrong as young people? I'm sure many of us have people that trust with our deepest secrets, but why are we afraid to talk about getting tested?

The answer? STIGMA.

Not only has our understanding of STDs been dehumanized, but we have also been conditioned to shun those who are survivors and fighters of STDs. Many of us carry this bias with us in the back of our minds until we are personally faced with the problem with ourselves, friends or family. Only then are we more compassionate to their experiences and how they're treated in the world. We shouldn't wait until this point, though. We need to talk about why we should be getting tested and how we can support our friends who are affected before the situation occurs.

What's the WORST that could happen?

If someone brings it up, better yet if you bring it up, nobody is going to go running for the hills. People may be a little taken aback by the direction of the conversation, but you also can never assume what is already on someone else's conscious! We all have unique ways that we communicate with the people we care about. There is no set or specific way to address to the topic. You also don't want to force anyone to talk about anything that they are simply not ready for!

Be PREPared

Don't just bring up getting tested and not know how to find nearest please to get tested (for FREE preferably)! Know what resources are available and if they're easily accessible. Let's be honest, we have all sat through health classes and safe sex lectures, but how many of us really take the initiative we should when it comes to our sexual health?

Because I'm YOUR friend,

Here are a few websites that you can check out to learn more about your sexual health!

- Planned Parenthood

- Center for Disease Control (CDC)

- Get Yourself Tested (GYT) Awareness Campaign

Additionally, I want to personally encourage you all to be open, loving and accepting to any of your friends who do need support with their sexual health. It is NEVER something you should be ashamed of and allowing fear of what people will think of you for loving yourself will only make your environment more toxic. You love yourself and you love your friends and family, now show it—get TESTED!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40766
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25344
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950915
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133139
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments