I have been living with herpes for 9 months now. I feel all the emotions that everyone else has posted on here. I feel hopless, dirty, used, and the things that hurt the most are that -I can't possibly brind myself to ever date again, -This could cause me to never have the family I have always dreamed of. I feel alone. The only way I can even try to deal with this is by praying. I am a very religious person. I never thought that I would get this by just having sex with my ex boyfriend. I thought I could trust him. When I told him he gave me the virus.. he made it seem like he didn't even know he had it. I try to forget about it and hang out with friends. If a guy trys to talk to me I have to give him the cold shoulder. This is not the life I planned. No one knows about this except my ex. I am dealing with this alone. I don't know how much longer I can do this.
I know how you feel. I got herpes this past October. It was extremely upsetting!! I, too, am religious- a Christian. First, your ex might not have known he was a carrier, because many men experience very minimal symptoms. So if he was a good guy in most respects, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. Second, don't give up your dreams!! When you become involved in your next relationship, you will need to share this before becoming intimate. In the meanwhile, get informed. A daily preventive medicine such as Acyclovir can help prevent outbreaks, and a condom will reduce (though, it's still possible to transmit it this way) the chances of transmitting the virus. Or, your new man may already have it-- about 1/4 the population does!! Good luck!!