Life With Herpes
186 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 94 ratingsThe Life With Herpes Podcast is created to educate, entertain and connect the underserved and, often ostracized, community of people living with herpes. Each week, Life With Herpes the show focuses on personal stories, managing day to day life with herpes, a weekly Ask Alexandra section, and weekly interviews with medical or industry professionals. We will cover things ranging from the stigma, how to cope and the hard core facts about herpes. The show will help people with the virus understand it and learn how to survive their outbreaks.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
In in Search of a Herpes Cure
April 05, 2024 22:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBCure Advocacy is the only patient advocacy organization globally working towards the cure, treatment and prevention of Herpes. They exist to empower both patients and healthcare providers to learn to advocate for themselves and to know that change is possible! Visit www.herpescureadvocacy.com to receive your copy of the Herpes Cure Pipeline 3.0 - a comprehensive resource of all clinical trials for new therapies for HSV. 0:00 Introduction 02:00 Can herpes be serious 04:40 Are yo...
Living with HSV-2 as a 21-Year Old Christian
March 07, 2024 10:23 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MBJoin host Alexandra Habrushka and special guest Jason Lebeck as they delve into the unique challenges faced by a 21-year-old Christian navigating faith and cultural/religious discrimination while living with HSV-2. Through candid conversations and personal insights, they explore themes of resilience, faith, and overcoming stigma in a world where faith and health intersect. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and find inspiration in their journey of grace and growth. You can follow Ja...
Healing Shame: Exploring the Nervous System and Herpes Stigma
February 12, 2024 16:11 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBIn this enlightening episode, delve into the intricate connection between the nervous system and the emotional impact of a herpes diagnosis. Discover how shame and societal stigma can influence our neural pathways, affecting not only our mental well-being but also our physical health. Join us as we explore strategies to heal and empower ourselves in the face of herpes stigma, nurturing a healthier relationship with our nervous system and our self-worth. 💚Learn more about Brainbased Wel...
Navigating Faith, God, and Theology in the Herpes Shame Game with Lindsey Ellyn
January 22, 2024 10:00 - 58 minutes - 80.4 MBA powerful interview Alexandra did with Lindsey Ellyn, the author of The Shame Game: A Counter-Cultural Approach to Overcoming Shame and Improving Mental, Relational, and Sexual Health, where they talk about the shame that a herpes diagnosis can bring. In the tapestry of life, certain threads can lead us to unexpected places, challenging our perceptions and reshaping our understanding of self-worth, relationships, and societal norms. Lindsey Ellyn's candid revelation about her herpes diagno...
Thyroid & Gut Health and It's Connection to Herpes
November 28, 2023 12:20 - 1 hour - 82.8 MB"Join Coach Sarah Joy on a transformative journey through thyroid and gut health. A former warrior battling Epstein Barr, Herpes, Hashimoto's, and Hypothyroidism, she conquered chronic symptoms and reclaimed her health. After enduring misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, Sarah reclaimed her power, delving into extensive research and self-healing methods. Now a certified Transformational Nutrition and Thyroid Coach, her passion lies in empowering women combating various health challenge...
How Your Nervous System Controls Herpes Outbreaks
October 23, 2023 18:03 - 53 minutes - 122 MBIn this insightful episode of Life with herpes podcast, join your host Alexandra Harbushka and special guest Elisabeth Kristof as they delve into the fascinating connection between the nervous system and herpes outbreaks. Elisabeth, a renowned expert in nervous system health, shares valuable insights and practical tips on how understanding and supporting your nervous system can play a pivotal role in managing and preventing herpes outbreaks. Tune in to discover empowering strategies for achi...
Understanding Herpes: Insights from an OBGYN
May 19, 2023 08:39 - 28 minutes - 25.6 MBIn a recent interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. John Martin, an experienced OBGYN, who shared valuable insights about herpes, its impact on pregnancy, and how individuals can navigate this diagnosis. Join us as we delve into the conversation and gain a better understanding of herpes from a medical professional's perspective.
The Secret Society: An Online Support Group for Herpes Community
March 23, 2023 11:00 - 3 minutes - 2.82 MBFinding out you have herpes can be a difficult and isolating experience. When Alexandra, the founder of The Secret Society was first diagnosed, she felt alone and without support. That's why she created The Secret Society, an online support group for people living with herpes.
Thyroid Disease, Herpes and Epstein–Barr - Gain Back Your Health with Coach Sarah Joy
November 10, 2022 16:35 - 1 hour - 178 MBCoach Sarah Joy helps women with thyroid conditions find their root causes. She got herpes, was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Epstein–Barr. After years of dealing with symptoms, exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness, panic attacks, brittle hair and nails, hair loss, food intolerances, bloating and pain after I ate, heart pain, palpitations, brain fog, memory loss, constipation, intolerances to the weather, seasonal or environmental allergies, and more, she managed to get ...
Accepting My Flaws and a Herpes Diagnosis - There Is More than Just Herpes
August 24, 2022 21:00 - 2 minutes - 3.85 MBWhen we are in a relationship there is acceptance on both sides. We think that herpes is the only thing that has to be accepted. But we are also going to be accepting my flaws and a herpes diagnosis.
Wellness Products for Herpes Outbreak
August 17, 2022 21:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBThese wellness products are made to fight herpes outbreaks. We created them especially for people living with herpes, who want to deal with their outbreaks in a more natural ways. They can also be used to support your body when you're on antivirals. Overall, they took about a year to get formulated and I'm so exited to share them with you!
What to Do If You Were Just Diagnosed with Genital Herpes
August 10, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 5.55 MBIf you were just diagnosed with herpes, you're probably freaking out and don't know where to go or turn to. I hope this video sheds some light on the topic you're interested in, how to go on, and where to search for information.
Being Promiscuous Will Get You a Herpes Diagnosis
August 03, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 5.82 MBThere's a preconceived notion in many of us that being promiscuous will definitely get you herpes. If you will not sleep around, or not sleep with 'those people', or always do things the right way, there's no way you're going to get herpes. I also thought I'm that person.
Being Diagnosed with Herpes Later in Life
July 27, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 7.44 MBSometimes people think it's easier to get diagnosed later in life, and other times, people think it's easier when we're younger and we can deal with it easier. The truth is, there's never a good time to get diagnosed and it can always be hard to deal with outbreaks and disclose to our partners, when dating seems so far away.
Asymptomatic and Living with Herpes with Alexandra Harbushka
July 20, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 6 MBAccording to Oxford's dictionary the definition of asymptomatic is, "(of a condition or a person) producing or showing no symptoms." So what this means for someone living with herpes is, they have herpes but don't have any symptoms. They don't get outbreaks, they don't have tingles, they don't get itchy, they don't have any sensation or clue that they have herpes.
Is Herpes Always Genital or Oral with Alexandra Harbushka
July 11, 2022 21:00 - 6 minutes - 10.5 MBThere are 4 common areas where the HSV1 or HSV2 virus can go; oral, genital, on your hands and in your eyes.
How I Spent My 4th of July with a Herpes Diagnosis
July 04, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 7.39 MBIn your 20's your 4th of July should be spent having fun with friends at the beach. Having just gotten diagnosed with herpes you won't believe how I spent my 4th of July. Spoiler alert there was lots of crying over my herpes diagnosis.
The Day I Got Diagnosed with Genital Herpes Was the Worst Day of My Life
July 01, 2022 21:00 - 19 minutes - 26.3 MBThis day 11 years ago was the worst day of my life, it was the day I got diagnosed with genital herpes. This was something I never saw coming. On today's vlog Alexandra shares her never told before story of what it was like in 2011 getting diagnosed with genital herpes.
What Life with Herpes Looks like for 11 Years
June 30, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 6.08 MBWhen I was first diagnosed with herpes I'd wondered what life with herpes would look like for 11 years. At the time, I didn't think that a happy life was even possible. I mean, I had herpes. In today's video I walk you through what it's like living with herpes 11 years later.
You Have Herpes Questions, the Top FAQ's Answered
June 29, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 6.96 MBIf you've just been diagnosed with herpes you have herpes questions. So Alexandra's answered the top FAQ's in today's vlog. She talks about that waiting period of wondering if your herpes results are going to come back positive or negative. There are so many ups and downs that lead you down a rabbit hole of questions.
What Doctor Said when I Went for My Physical
June 28, 2022 21:00 - 3 minutes - 4.38 MBNow it's Tuesday and I know something is wrong. This is the same day as it was eleven years ago. By now the blisters had fully shown up and I was in unbelievable pain. I felt so sick and could not imagine what was going on. Today was supposed to be just a regular physical but instead it turned into the day to go to the doctors and get a resolution.
What You Need to Know about Herpes in 2022
June 27, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 7.97 MBBeing diagnosed with herpes in 2003 is very different than being diagnosed with herpes in 2022 . The major difference is the ability to find resources and educate yourself because back in the early 2000's it was even more taboo than now. Alexandra shares her point of view from 2003 till today in 2022. There are three things that really stand out.
Something Was Wrong but I Didn't Think It Was Herpes with Alexandra Harbushka
June 26, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 7.63 MBEleven years ago I was diagnosed with genital herpes. This year in 2022 falls on the same days of the week as in 2011. I've shared things here and there but I've never walked you through exactly what I did and how I felt. Share what I can remember and the good, the bad and the ugly. My intention for this week is to bring awareness to herpes: your life moves on and you forget how big of a deal it is. Talk you through the exact week 11 years ago, build awareness and hand hold you through your...
How Do You Get Pregnant without Transmitting Herpes to Your Partner with Alexandra Harbushka
June 20, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 7.86 MBWhen we hear about herpes or are diagnosed with herpes we automatically think we have to use a condom or some type of protection for the rest of our life. I've had a lot of you ask me about my story and how did I get pregnant and was I worried about transmitting it to my husband.
Monolaurin, Herpes and other Viruses
June 17, 2022 21:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBMonolaurin is becoming more and more popular among people looking for a healthy lifestyle. Coconuts and palm kernel oil are almost the only source of it, apart from human breast milk. Later telling us how important actually is for humans. Monolaurin has the ability to break the outer shell of enveloped viruses, meaning it can actually help us fight those viruses way better and faster. And since herpes is one of the enveloped viruses, it can do a lot for our immune system in that sense.
Afraid to Get Herpes: Here’s What to Do with Alexandra Harbushka
June 10, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 6.77 MBBefore getting herpes or a STD/STI I was terrified of getting one, especially herpes. I mean look at what the stigma says about people who have herpes. They are disgusting, they have slept around, they are whores that got this because they did something wrong and now they are paying for it and it can go on and on. Obviously I don’t beige this stigma and neither should you.
Herpes Dating Stories: What You Really Need to Know when Disclosing
June 08, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 5.6 MBYour dating life is not over now that you have herpes. Promise!!! Having herpes or not rejection happens and that’s okay and it’s part of life. I disclosed to guys that I was interested in and got rejected, I also disclosed as way to get out of having sex and that totally backfired and then I’ve disclosed and it’s been no problem.
If I Were Diagnosed with Herpes Today: 3 Things I Would Do Differently with Alexandra Harbushka
June 06, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 5.76 MBI was diagnosed with herpes in 2011. That doesn’t sound like it was too long ago and that we haven't had to many changes but really, when you think about it we’ve had a ton of technological changes. Let me take you back to 2011. There was google, but it wasn’t what it is today. There was Facebook and Instagram, but neither had the impact that they have today. So what I’m trying to say is that there wasn’t the information out there that there is now. When I googled herpes, or who had herpes b...
HSV2 Is Contagious 10% of the Time
June 03, 2022 21:00 - 7 minutes - 10 MBNow that we have herpes we want to know what the chances are that we’re going to transmit herpes to our partner. I get asked this daily on my lives and in the comments. There is the preconceived thought that if you have herpes you’re contagious all the time and you’ll have outbreaks all the time and that your entire body is contagious. I can happily tell you that that is not true.
It’s Hard Not to Find Someone with Herpes with Alexandra Harbushka
June 01, 2022 21:00 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBWith herpes being so common it’s actually rare to find someone without it. I hear time and time again from people who are just diagnosed with herpes, or if they haven’t processed their herpes diagnosis, say that their partner should go find someone without herpes. Or when a rejection happens the person is thinking that it's going to be way easier to find someone else without herpes.
Dating after a Herpes Diagnosis with Alexandra Harbushka
May 30, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 5.76 MBIt’s totally possible and your dating life can be totally normal. In general we put so much on our plate to date. Things like: he has to be the one, or I’m so tired of dating immature people, are there any good ones left out there, ugh, here we go again and so on. We females put pressure on ourselves to find a good one and settle down, it’s what society expects from us. Regardless there is pressure from all angles to date and find someone.
Outbreaks While You’re Pregnant: What to Do
May 27, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 6.68 MBLet me tell you a bit about my pregnancy. I went through IVF to have Clinton and I never had an outbreak during any of the hormonal treatments and IVF treatments to get pregnant. Then fast forward I don’t believe I had outbreaks in my first trimester but then in my second trimester, I started having few and then in my last trimester I had them back to back.
Herpes Disclosure: After You’ve Slept with Them
May 25, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 8.18 MBThis topic brings up so many emotions. If you just slept with someone and they then later told you that they have herpes, I’m sure you are angry and confused. And if you have herpes and just slept with someone and didn’t tell them, I bet you have a lump in you stomach.
Intimacy During an Outbreak with Alexandra Harbushka
May 23, 2022 21:00 - 3 minutes - 4.65 MBThere are times that I have had an outbreak and my husband and I have wanted to have sex. Whether it’s been when we are on vacation, or just because. With that being said, we’ve gotten creative and still had a great time getting between the sheets.
How to Deal with Your First Herpes Outbreak with Alexandra Harbushka
May 20, 2022 21:00 - 6 minutes - 8.7 MBIf you’ve just gotten herpes and you are in a ton of pain physically and emotionally, I know what you are going through. Sometimes when I look back I think it’s the physical pain that is the most. And then there are other times I think, no, it’s the emotional pain. Regardless they are both there and you are probably feeling something that you have never felt before. First of all, I want you to take a deep breath and know that everything is going to be okay. I know it doesn’t feel that ...
Do Exercise and Herpes Go Together?
May 18, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 3.8 MBI’ve been getting lots of questions like; will sweat cause an outbreak, will friction cause an outbreak, will HITT cause me to get an outbreak, professional bodybuilders have asked questions about pre workout and so on.
Can You Have Unprotected Sex If You Have Herpes?
May 16, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 4.06 MBYes, of course you can. But before you hit the sheets with your partner let’s talk about some details first. One of the biggest fears or thoughts are about having sex when you’ve been diagnosed with herpes is that you’ll have to use a condom for the rest of your life.
Tell Your Partner Toolkit
May 13, 2022 21:00 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBOur biggest fear, once we’re diagnosed, is dating. It’s the fear of rejection, it’s the how do I disclose, do I need to disclose and so on. All of these feelings questions and emotions are valid and an important part of the herpes journey.
Foods That Trigger Herpes Outbreaks
May 11, 2022 21:00 - 6 minutes - 5.59 MBSo yes, there are some things you can do to help manage your herpes outbreaks and/or feed your herpes outbreak. In other blog posts I talk about lifestyle, supplements and why people get outbreaks. So today I’m going to talk about foods that feed outbreaks and why.
Why I Got Herpes with Alexandra Harbushka
May 09, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 4.42 MBWhy me? This is something I asked myself for years. I would sit crying wondering why this happened to me. What did I do to deserve this? I couldn’t think of anything worse than getting diagnosed with herpes.
Herpes Outbreak Toolkit with Alexandra Harbushka
May 06, 2022 21:00 - 3 minutes - 3.16 MBThis is something that I felt was so important to put together and I really wish it was something that I could have walked away with when I was diagnosed. I wish that Dr. would have said, "there is this great online community called Life with Herpes and there is an Outbreak Toolkit that has everything you need to know about herpes.”
3 Reasons Why 75-90% People with Genital Herpes Don’t Know They Have It
May 04, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MBIf your first outbreak was anything like mine you’re wondering like me: how people could not know they had herpes or at least something going on down there.
Can You Be in a Monogamous Relationship and Still Get Herpes?
May 02, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 5.15 MBRecently on social media someone commented on my live and said that if I hadn’t been so promiscuous I wouldn't have gotten herpes. There’s a lot of ways we can dissect this comment. Also, instead of going off on this man, I used it as a learning opportunity to talk about how promiscuity has nothing to do with.
Emergency Call with Alexandra Harbushka
April 29, 2022 21:00 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBThis especially happens when you are first diagnosed with herpes. You hang up the phone from your doctor and then are like now what. Who do I talk to? What do I do? The worst thing is to start googling herpes and looking at the pictures. Eek! And then the second worse thing is to sit in your worry and let it consume you. I just opened up my schedule and added more days. I’m here for you Monday - Thursday.
How to Get Diagnosed with Herpes with Alexandra Harbushka
April 27, 2022 21:00 - 7 minutes - 7.28 MBThe herpes test is not included in the STI panel. So even if you’re a responsible sexually active adult and you ask your doctor for every STI test, most likely herpes will not be included in the herpes test. Not including the herpes test on the STI panel is part of the problem on why there are so many people getting herpes, why so many people don’t know they have it and why we have a huge ugly stigma around people who have herpes. 👉Herpes diagnosis Get a quick, confidential diagnosi...
How I Told My Husband I Have Herpes with Alexandra Harbushka
April 25, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 3.83 MBIn case you don’t know it, I’m married and my husband does not have herpes! This comes as a shock to a lot of people. I don’t think it’s the married part but the part that my husband doesn’t have herpes.
Positivity Lotion with Alexandra Harbushka
April 22, 2022 21:00 - 2 minutes - 2.69 MBPersonally I love the woodsy smell and this is something that I use daily. I use it out of the shower and always before going to bet. I live in Las Vegas so my skin is always needing some hydration and this lotion leaves myskin feeling silky and nourished. Not to mention I emotionally feel at ease.
Life with Herpes Type 1 and Herpes Type 2 with Alexandra Harbushka
April 20, 2022 21:00 - 4 minutes - 4.51 MBSo there are two types of herpes. Well, actually there are way more but in this setting we really only care about two types. Herpes type 1 and herpes type 2. So what are the differences and why is it important that we talk about it?
Foods That Nourish Your Body with a Herpes Diagnosis
April 18, 2022 21:00 - 8 minutes - 8.02 MBFood is way more important than we think. It has to ability to heal your body or make you sick. This was something that I didn’t really realize until I was diagnosed with herpes. I mean I always tried to eat healthy and more or less I was healthy but it wasn’t until I got herpes that I completely turned myself around and started really caring what was going in my body.
Lifesaver Lip Balm
April 15, 2022 21:00 - 3 minutes - 3.62 MBThis was the first product that we came out with. You guys were asking for something that was over the counter, natural and could help speed up recovery of an oral herpes outbreak. Our organic, lip balm has ingredients known to treat herpes outbreaks, lessen inflammation and soothe your lips.