Blog

Resources & Guides

Honest, experience-based writing on dating with HSV, disclosure, science, and community. Written by people who live it.

Comprehensive Guides

Comprehensive Guide

Dating with Herpes

Medical Guide

Understanding HSV

Mental Health

Herpes Stigma & Mental Health

App Reviews

Best HSV Dating Apps 2026

Dating & Disclosure·12 min read

The Complete Guide to Dating After a Herpes Diagnosis

A realistic, experience-based guide to navigating dating after being diagnosed with HSV. From processing the news to building confidence again.

Dating & Disclosure·10 min read

How to Have the Herpes Disclosure Conversation

Practical advice on when and how to tell a partner about your HSV status. Includes example scripts and tips from people who have been through it.

Medical & Science·9 min read

HSV-1 vs HSV-2: What Is the Actual Difference?

A clear, factual breakdown of the differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2, including transmission, symptoms, testing, and what it means for dating.

Medical & Science·10 min read

Herpes Transmission Rates: What the Science Actually Says

A fact-based look at HSV transmission rates, risk reduction strategies, and what the peer-reviewed research tells us about managing transmission risk.

Community & Lifestyle·8 min read

How Common Is Herpes? Statistics That Might Surprise You

A data-driven look at herpes prevalence worldwide and in the United States. The numbers may change how you think about HSV.

Dating & Disclosure·9 min read

Online Dating with Herpes: A Realistic Guide

How to navigate dating apps and online dating when you have HSV. Practical advice on profiles, disclosure, and finding the right platform.

Dating & Disclosure·11 min read

Your First Date After a Herpes Diagnosis: What to Expect

A supportive, practical guide to going on your first date after being diagnosed with herpes. From managing nerves to deciding when to disclose.

Dating & Disclosure·10 min read

Herpes Rejection: How to Handle It and Move Forward

Practical guidance on dealing with rejection related to your herpes status. Learn how to process the experience, protect your self-worth, and keep dating with confidence.

Dating & Disclosure·12 min read

Dating Someone Without Herpes: A Practical Guide

A thorough guide to navigating serodiscordant relationships where one partner has herpes and the other does not. Covers transmission reduction, communication, and building trust.

Dating & Disclosure·10 min read

Herpes and Casual Dating: What You Need to Know

An honest, non-judgmental guide to navigating casual dating and hookup culture when you have herpes. Covers disclosure ethics, risk management, and practical advice.

Dating & Disclosure·11 min read

When to Tell Someone You Have Herpes: Timing Your Disclosure

A detailed guide to figuring out the right moment to disclose your herpes status to a new partner. Covers early disclosure, waiting, and everything in between.

Dating & Disclosure·10 min read

Herpes Dating Success Stories: Real People, Real Connections

Inspiring stories and common themes from people who have found love and meaningful relationships after a herpes diagnosis. Proof that your dating life is far from over.

Dating & Disclosure·12 min read

Herpes Dating Apps Compared: An Honest 2026 Review

An honest comparison of herpes dating apps and platforms available in 2026. What works, what does not, and what to look for in an HSV dating platform.

Dating & Disclosure·9 min read

How to Write a Dating Profile When You Have Herpes

Practical tips for creating a compelling dating profile that represents who you are, whether you are on a mainstream app or an HSV-specific platform like Oath.

Medical & Science·11 min read

GHSV-1: Everything You Need to Know About Genital HSV-1

A comprehensive guide to genital HSV-1 (GHSV-1), including how it differs from oral HSV-1 and genital HSV-2, transmission patterns, outbreak frequency, and what it means for your dating life.

Medical & Science·10 min read

Herpes Shedding Explained: What It Means for Transmission

A clear explanation of viral shedding in herpes, including asymptomatic shedding, shedding rates, and what the research says about managing transmission risk.

Medical & Science·12 min read

Herpes Testing: IgG, PCR, and Western Blot Compared

A detailed comparison of the three main herpes testing methods: IgG blood tests, PCR swab tests, and the Western Blot. Understand accuracy, limitations, and which test is right for you.

Medical & Science·10 min read

False Positive Herpes Test: What You Need to Know

An in-depth guide to false positive herpes test results, including why they happen, who is most at risk, and what steps to take if you suspect your result may be inaccurate.

Medical & Science·12 min read

Herpes and Pregnancy: What Expecting Parents Should Know

A thorough guide to managing herpes during pregnancy, including transmission risks to the baby, delivery considerations, antiviral therapy, and what to discuss with your OB-GYN.

Medical & Science·13 min read

Antivirals for Herpes: A Complete Guide to Treatment Options

Everything you need to know about antiviral medications for herpes, including valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir. Covers dosing, side effects, suppressive therapy, and episodic treatment.

Medical & Science·11 min read

Herpes Symptoms vs Other Conditions: How to Tell the Difference

A practical guide to distinguishing herpes symptoms from other common conditions like ingrown hairs, yeast infections, contact dermatitis, and more. Includes when to see a doctor.

Stigma & Mental Health·14 min read

The History of Herpes Stigma: How a Common Virus Became a Scarlet Letter

The stigma around herpes is surprisingly recent. Learn how pharmaceutical marketing, media jokes, and cultural anxiety turned a common virus into a source of shame.

Stigma & Mental Health·13 min read

Herpes and Self-Esteem: Rebuilding Your Confidence After Diagnosis

A herpes diagnosis can shake your sense of self. This guide offers practical, evidence-based strategies for rebuilding confidence and reclaiming your identity.

Stigma & Mental Health·13 min read

Herpes and Anxiety: Managing the Mental Health Impact

Anxiety after a herpes diagnosis is extremely common. Learn why it happens, how to manage it, and when to seek professional support.

Stigma & Mental Health·13 min read

Herpes and Depression: Understanding the Emotional Impact

Depression after a herpes diagnosis is common and treatable. Learn about the emotional impact, coping strategies, and when to seek help.

Stigma & Mental Health·12 min read

Telling Friends and Family About Herpes: A Guide

Thinking about telling friends or family about your herpes diagnosis? This guide covers when, how, and why to share, plus how to handle different reactions.

Stigma & Mental Health·12 min read

Herpes in the Media: How TV, Movies, and Jokes Fuel Stigma

From sitcom punchlines to movie tropes, herpes has been used as a joke for decades. Here is how media portrayals fuel real-world stigma and what is changing.

Stigma & Mental Health·12 min read

Why Herpes Stigma Is Worse Than Herpes Itself

Herpes the virus is medically mild. Herpes the stigma causes real suffering. This article examines why the shame is worse than the condition and how to break free.

Stigma & Mental Health·11 min read

Herpes Support Groups: Finding Your Community Online and Offline

A comprehensive guide to finding herpes support groups, both online and in person, including what to expect and how to get the most out of community support.

Stigma & Mental Health·11 min read

Finding a Therapist Who Understands Herpes: What to Look For

Not all therapists are equipped to help with herpes-related distress. Here is how to find one who gets it, what to ask, and what good herpes-informed therapy looks like.

App Reviews·14 min read

Positive Singles Review 2026: An Honest, In-Depth Look

A thorough, fair review of Positive Singles in 2026. We cover features, pricing, user experience, privacy concerns, and how it compares to newer alternatives.

App Reviews·12 min read

MPWH Review 2026: Is Meet People With Herpes Worth It?

An honest review of MPWH (Meet People With Herpes) in 2026, covering features, pricing, user experience, and whether it is worth your time.

App Reviews·11 min read

Why Most Herpes Dating Apps Are Stuck in 2012

Most herpes dating apps have not evolved in over a decade. Here is what is wrong with the status quo and what a modern HSV dating experience should look like.

App Reviews·12 min read

What to Look for in a Herpes Dating App: A Buyer's Guide

Not all herpes dating apps are created equal. This buyer's guide breaks down the features, privacy protections, and qualities that matter most.

App Reviews·13 min read

Herpes Dating App Privacy Compared: Who Actually Protects Your Data?

A detailed comparison of privacy practices across major herpes dating apps. Learn who protects your data and who has failed to in the past.

App Reviews·11 min read

Free vs Paid Herpes Dating Apps: What You Actually Get

Should you pay for a herpes dating app or stick with free options? This breakdown covers what free tiers actually include, what paid plans unlock, and whether the investment is worth it.