Name: Ryan
Age: 22
Sex: Male
Occupation: Electrician/student
Yr. Infected: 1995

Treatment: I used the docs prescriptions(zovirax,etc.) but am now exploring natural/herbal/alternative methods. My outbreaks are less frequent than they used to be, and I hope to control it with a total body health and an immune boosting program.

My Story: I used to sleep with lots of different girls and I can only narrow it down to three that may have infected me. I guess you could say I got what I deserved for my carelessness, but when you're 18 and all the ladies are beating your door down, you don't think with the right head. The lab tests came back negative, but they're not reliable and sure enough I had it. I have actually taken a lot of positive things out of this; its the only thing you can do. It has altered my priorities and allowed me to realize exactly what I want out of life. I would not be where I am today if I had spent the last 4 years carousing and chasing women the whole time. Now I know exactly what I want in a woman and won't settle for less because I won't waste time with anyone who I don't connect with on something other than a physical level. I think abstaining while you get to know someone until you feel you can trust them enough to tell them breeds better relationships.

Telling: I had a girlfriend, and when I felt the time was right I told her. After I explained it to her and dispelled the myths, she was real cool about it. We went on to move in together. We took the necessary precautions and she was never infected. We later broke up for other reasons and I was worried she might tell everyone and their mother to get back at me, but she never did. If the person really cares about you, it shouldn't matter. I have also met girls who have it already which makes things a lot less complicated.