Toronto, Ontario (January 20, 2008)

POSITIVESINGLES.COM adds new feature: “Ask STD counselor” - adding more support for its members than just dating services.

Finding your match when you are suffering from an STD can be easier than you think. Starting from January 15, 2008, members at PositiveSingles.com can ask a STD counselor questions as well as continuing to enjoy updated information about all STDs, various STD forums, uploading pictures, sending e-mails or winks to other members and you can have a limited free membership.

Thousands of people get STDs and don’t realize it. Having an STD could lead to confusion, resentment, anger, and isolating of yourself. One might even be filled with many questions.

According to the CDC, there are over 65 million Americans currently living with an STD, 19 million new STD infections each year, one in three sexually active men and women living with Herpes, and about 50% of all sexually active Americans are affected by HPV.
With STD, many people are afraid to reach out to the people whom they are closest to. The stigma attached to people with infectious diseases suddenly becomes personal. They are afraid of losing friendships and family altogether. This fear can quickly become a reality due to a lack of education.

PositiveSingles.com recently added a STD counselor to the site that has accurate information about STDs. The information that the STD counselor provides covers the most updated information about STDs. The STD counselor can answer such questions as: where to get HPV shots, support group listings, counseling services, relationship questions or any other questions a STD sufferer might have. Information regarding STD testing are also provided when requested.

Members get quality information in addition to the core dating services. Thousands of people on PositiveSingles.com meet, date and get married. Before the members meet they can talk to someone who is facing the same issues that they are facing and share with someone who has the same concerns. By talking about these issues, members can learn new ways to approach a person and stay emotionally stable. Some of the members of PositiveSingles.com are learning how to deal an STD that changed their lives. Some people are looking for a local relationship or partner who lives nearby. The sharing and support of a problem creates a healthy and positive atmosphere.

About PositiveSingles.com

PositiveSingles.com was launched in 08-Aug-2002, and markets its services around the world. The founding team’s vision is to build a community for people with STDs, where they can find friendship, support, and love! It is ranked the #1 website for online dating for those with STDs. 3/5 of those members are living with HSV, 1/5 with HIV/AIDS, 1/10 with HPV. There are more STDs. Hundreds of members join every day. Beyond the networking of relationships, PositiveSingles.com has medical information and success stories. Those affected by a disease and those around them are staying positive and strong. The family and friends of an individual with an STD can be very supportive as well. For more information, visit http://www.PositiveSingles.com.

*Source: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes.htm
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/summary/10002162vositiveSingles.com

When you or your partner suffer from herpes, it is not an easy challenge to face. In any relationship, trust and honesty are important. If you love your partner, then you must be open to share the truth.

It is important that if you decide to stay together, then both of you must take responsibility to ensure that you continue to enjoy a healthy, intimate live together.

By knowing, it can already help prevent the spread of herpes. Because you can begin to take steps.

There is no way to guarantee that herpes will not spread. But there are ways to help reduce the risks.

First, consult your physician. This is very important as there are different STDs and herpes might not be the only problem. Having full information will help you and your partner.

Check if Valtrex is suitable. It is known to reduce the risk. But again, this needs to be taken in consultation with a physician.

Here are some steps that you can take which will help reduce the risks:

• Do not have sex when you have an outbreak
• Do not have sex when you suspect that you are about to have an outbreak
• Always have protected sex (that is, use a condom)
• Take your medication (if prescribed)

Never take medication without first consulting your physician.

There is no need to face your challenges alone. In most areas, there are support groups that exist to help each other.

Over at yoshi2me.com, a list of support groups are listed for various countries and states. This is an excellent site (www.yoshi2me.com) overall and contains great information for all those who are curious about or are suffering from herpes. Yoshi2me is a generous and knowledgeable herpes patient advocate who has committed her time and energies to helping others.

Sometimes, statistics are reassuring, but at other times, they mean nothing.

So what if the statistics say that 80% of Americans suffer from herpes? There is still a significant social stigma associated with herpes that is way out of proportion to the knowledge that we now have about this STD (sexually transmitted disease).

For many people, they experience an emotional and social impact that is greater than the physical impact of herpes. People can be judgemental in their attitudes, especially towards herpes. Likely, it is because herpes is an incurable viral infection, and it will stay with you for the rest of your life. This frightens people.

Reactions range from shock, anger, embarrassment, fear, helplessness, guilt, shame and a general lowering of self image, when a person is first diagnosed with herpes. Most people are more concerned about the impact on their current and future relationships than they are about the infection itself.

Most people will need some time to adjust to the fact that they have an infection and it will be one that they must live with for the rest of their lives. But once they have accepted this, they can begin to learn more about the virus. They can learn how to deal with the outbreaks, how to manage their relationships and most importantly, how to continue with their lives.

One of the most critical phases faced by sufferers would be telling their partner about their herpes infection.

How you will tell, what details you will reveal (or conceal), and even when and if you tell is a decision that each individual has to make themselves. Honesty is very important in any relationship, and trust and respect are keys to a successful one. Allow your partner the opportunity to make a choice. Telling your partner after you have build a relationship of trust and respect, but have not yet started sexual relations is a responsible and mature thing. Not only can it build more trust and respect, but it can also prevent the spread of the virus if proper precautions are taken. Yes, it is possible to have normal relations even if you have contracted herpes.

Don’t try to face your problems alone. A family physician or a professional at an STD clinic can provide helpful information and advise. They can provide some level of support for you, emotionally and also in terms of helping you understand your situation better.

In most areas, there are support groups that you can contact. Reading up on the subject will also help you gain a better understanding of how to cope.

There are generally two type of herpes - genital herpes and oral herpes. Genital herpes occur around the genital area while oral herpes appear around the mouth or face. However, it is important to note that the herpes outbreak can occur anywhere on the body.

Usually the first outbreak after infection is the most severe. There will be blisters filled with fluid either on the face, genital or anus. These blisters should crust and dry without any scar. The outbreak might be accompanied by other symptoms like fever. Usually, the first episode is the most severe. But there are cases where the symptoms are so mild that the patient is not even aware that they have contracted an STD.

The herpes outbreak can recur from time to time and the probability of transmitting it to another person is highest during these periods. But herpes can be transmitted even when no sores are seen.

Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simple Virus and there are two variants: HSV-1 and the HSV-2 viruses.

HSV-1 is generally associated with oral herpes, or more commonly known as cold sores. The HSV-2 virus is generally associated with genital herpes.

There is a common misconception that HSV-1 is the “good” virus, while HSV-2 is the “bad” virus. The reason for this is the fact that cold sores are some how, more socially acceptable than the outbreak of genital herpes.

But the reality is that both of these viruses are very similar. They both transmit through sexual contact and that can be by oral sex or penetrative sex. Both types of virus attacks the body’s mucosal surfaces, and usually the face or the genitals, then they become dormant but continue to be found in the body.

The HSV-1 virus normally establishes its “base” around the nerve cells near the ear, while the HSV-2 virus some how prefers to establish itself near the base of the spine.

This is the reason HSV-1 outbreaks are normally around the lower lip or face and the HSV-2 outbreaks are around the genital areas. But both viruses are essential the same. In terms of severity of infection and risk of infection, there is little to differentiate them.

There is no cure for herpes. However, outbreaks can be controlled by anti-viral creams and medication.

All told, the herpes infection is much more of a social problem than it is a medical problem. Most outbreaks can be treated and in many cases, the effects are mild. But the social stigma of having contacted an STD like herpes can devastate social and family life.

If you suspect you are suffering from herpes, you should consult your doctor.

No matter who you are, or who you think you are, the truth is, life is worth the living.

Many people are devastated when they learn about their affliction. But, no matter how long it takes, you can get over it. Unbelievable as it may seem at first, you can come to terms with your condition.

It may take you a long time to accept and most likely, an even longer time before you can speak to anyone about your condition; but if you take a positive “can do” attitude, you will find your break through.

Whether you are suffering from herpes, hpv, hiv, or other STDs; know that you are not alone.  There are many others who suffer from the same, or similar, viral infections. If you are willing to to reach out, there are others who are willing to meet you half way.