Hi spinnaker05,   I think the answer is yes, although I don't know what you have heard or whether the content of what you've heard is accurate or sufficiently detailed. There are several reasons why I'd go for 'yes' as an answer and one of these is the fact that it won't only affect you - but affect you it will. Genital herpes is a virus and once you have it you keep it and outbreaks can keep recurring. Certain drugs can shorten outbreaks and reduce the severity. There can also be implications for women and pregnancy if the virus is passed on.   I think you hit the nail on the head when you describe it as life altering - maybe this hasn't quite sunk in? I don't want to over dramatise your situation but I think you need to treat it seriously. I suspect you are, otherwise you wouldn't be posting for further information. For good basic information about genital herpes it's worth reading this just diagnosed information and this on the basics. There are a variety of links worth reviewing on how genital herpes can affect your lifestyle and how to manage.