consider this a poll

[chhotii]

On koshmom's suggestion, I am asking a direct question. I've been too lame to sign up as a paid user, so I don't think I can do an official "poll", but your feedback is requested. (Anonymous ok.)

This is apropos nothing.

Please indicate which of these most closely matches your feelings/opinions on the subject of "herpes" (HSV-2, to be precise):

1. I would never date someone with herpes. Surely a blister on Mr. Happy would be a fate worse than death.

2. If the right person came along, a minor skin condition wouldn't stand between us. Not that I'd rush into being physical with someone with herpes-- better to take things slow, and be sure that they are the right person, before risking anything.

3. I am impervious! I have genitalia of stainless steel! C'mon and ooze all over me, baby!

Thanks.

Comments

[jbsegal.livejournal.com]

2, shading towards 3.

This sort of thing can be managed and dealt with, not with 100% safety, but with a reasonable level.

[kimberlogic.livejournal.com]

I'm a solid 2. If the person is not wildly promiscous, and we can use appropriate protection/do everything we can to avoid exposure, then I wouldn't let that stand in the way of being with someone special.

FWIW, I don't have any STDs, but I have a heart condition and people have sometimes backed off from me because of it. I know it's very different, and there is more of a social stigma to STDs but it has hurt/been hard at times.

*hugs*

[tamidon.livejournal.com]

There is also the difference between someone with herpes who doesn't have outbreaks foten or at all and someone in the first years outbreaking all the time. It's risk assesment.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

Right, and someone like me, who takes Valtrex every single day. :-)