I refuse to feel ashamed of my genital herpes diagnosis
A 29-year-old yoga teacher is speaking out about the psychological impact of living with genital herpes to combat the stigma surrounding the diagnosis. Despite rising case numbers in some regions, she emphasizes the importance of awareness and self-acceptance over the shame often associated with the condition.
Why it matters
Public health awareness campaigns often struggle with the social stigma attached to sexually transmitted infections, which can prevent individuals from seeking support or treatment.
For almost a year Melys avoided making eye contact, hiding behind dark glasses even when speaking to close friends [Julian Tse] In her early 20s, Melys Edwards rarely left the house without a pair of sunglasses.
Not because it was sunny, but because she was ashamed.
"I just didn't want people to see me," the 29-year-old said.
Health experts say that for many people, the psychological impact of a genital herpes diagnosis - which is treatable but not curable - can be even greater than the physical symptoms.
In England official figures show new cases of genital herpes are increasing, with nearly 29,000 people diagnosed in 2025 - a 3% rise on the previous year.
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