STI and Dating? There’s An App For That
With summer right around the corner, many of us are out seeking our next spring fling or summer boo thang. However, for many people who live with sexually-transmitted diseases/infections (STI or STD), dating isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. A lot of shame surrounds STIs and those who have them, which can lead to individuals feeling alone and “less than.”
However, millions of people struggle with STIs. With the top being:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Genital Herpes (Herpes 2)
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are both curable and usually can be resolved with antibiotics, however, as of this writing, HPV and Herpes-2 are not curable and sometimes don’t show symptoms.
When it comes to protecting yourself and others, communication is key. Be clear and concise with your potential partners about your STD. Have an open conversation about what precautions you can take to minimize the risk of transmission. Educate yourself on your specific infection and its transmission methods so you can answer any questions your date may have.
When it comes to sex, there are a few things you can do to decrease the risk of transmission. First and foremost, always use protection. Condoms, dental dams, and other forms of barrier protection can significantly reduce transmission risk. Additionally, being aware of your symptoms and avoiding sexual contact during flare-ups can reduce transmission risk significantly.
It’s also crucial to prioritize your own health and well-being. Regular doctor visits, consistent medication regimens, and taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally can help you feel confident and empowered in all aspects of your life.
If you struggle with recurring herpes outbreaks, we recommend trying l-lysine. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps to slow or prevent herpes infections by preventing arginine from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It’s available as a cream, supplement, feminine wash, and powder for drinks and can reduce the recurrence.
Recently, STI dating apps have been rising in popularity in an effort to break the stigma and create a supportive community for individuals who have received a positive STI diagnosis. To get a head start on finding your next fling, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best-reviewed sites for STI dating and community.
PositiveSingles has over 2.1 million users and offers a community to individuals seeking romantic connections, friendship, and overall support. You can send winks to individuals who have caught your attention, but you have to pay for the premium version in order to send the first message.
Meet Positives is a great communication site that allows you to engage in private chats and calls with other individuals. This site is available but still under construction, so we’re hoping to see some pretty great new updates soon!
POZ Personals offers access to POZ magazine, which provides its users with helpful resources when it comes to living with HIV and/or AIDS. It also allows its users to connect with one another and offer support, friendship, or even a romantic relationship. This app is particularly geared toward HIV-positive individuals.
HWerks offers dating, support, and network/community options for herpes-positive individuals. It offers everything from chatrooms to local support groups, but does require a lifetime membership fee of $56 to get started.
A positive diagnosis can be daunting, but it doesn’t mean your love life is coming to an end. While it can be stressful to have “the talk” with new partners, it’s important to be open and honest in order to keep from spreading STIs.
Have you heard of or tried any of these sites, or are there any you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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The author.
Allison Kindley is a Digital Media Production & Journalism student at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. She loves working with Team Happy Girl because she gets to inform others on feminine wellness, learn every day, write creatively, and empower women.