How an STD Destroyed my Life

Email To a Friend 29 June 2009 I have been having such a hard time lately. My girlfriend of 4 years has left me and moved out of our apartment ever since her discovery that she contracted genital herpes from me. When she discovered an outbreak in her genital region she became very distant. She claimed to be faithful to me and immediately went to the clinic for testing. When she discovered the results of her tests, she demanded that I get tested as well.

I knew that at some point I would have to explain to her that I had been cheating on her for the past six months. I started to get defensive and accuse her of being unfaithful because after all, I didn’t have any symptoms of any sexually transmitted diseases. After many arguments, I finally submitted to her wishes of getting tested and scheduled an appointment for myself. I still haven’t told her that I had been unfaithful and was hoping that my tests came back negative so I didn’t have to break that news to her. We weren’t having sex since her discovery and this whole ordeal has put a strain on our relationship. Once I got results back from my test, I discovered that I had genital herpes as well. During the consultation with my doctor, I was advised that I would be a carrier and transmitter of this disease for the rest of my life. I was given prescriptions for topical cream and pills to prevent any potential breakouts that I might have. I spent hours after my clinic visit walking the streets of Camden, trying to figure out how I would explain to my girlfriend of four years that I had cheated on her and possibly gave her a sexually transmitted disease.

Once I finally got home in shame, I sat my girlfriend down and just confessed my indiscretions. I was sad because I knew this conversation would mark the beginning of the end. After I told her she cried and started packing. There was nothing I could do to convince her to stay and work our relationship out. What’s even worse, I have not adjusted to the fact that I’m alone with a STD. I regret my stupidity of my actions and wish I could have done things differently. I continue to follow-up with my physicians in regards to this issue. I don’t even know how I would go about telling any future partners about my STD so I have been celibate since. It definitely pays to be cautious and protect yourself because you never know the cost of your actions!

Anonymous, Camden.

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