Does anyone suffer with compulsive thoughts that they have STDs even if they have no symptoms? For pretty much 10 years I have been plagued with this and spend hours a day googling symptoms. I have been tested for everything that can be tested for, but I’m genuinely obsessed with the idea of having herpes (despite never having had symptoms), incase im one of the people that don’t know they have it. Anyone else struggle with this?

Yes, that was my last major obsession. I was afraid I had herpes (I don't) and convinced myself that it was absolutely true. The obsession went away when I told myself that it was manageable and not the end of the world if I did have it.

This is EXACTLY my fear. Knowing that even if I did... It's totally liveable. I just think it's one of those things that scares me so much because I have little control over it. Do you feel that way too?

Yes - I can rationalise the fact that it’s rarely actually a big deal if you do have it, but it’s something about the fact that it it’s not curable and you may never know you have it that really frightens me (even though I know somebody with herpes and it really isn’t an issue for them). I just want to have one day where I’m not scanning my body for symptoms and googling herpes!!!

I completely relate. It's so tiring. My sister actually has it and she lives a totally normal life it barely effects her at all. And even with all that I still freak out about it nonstop. I have a hard time dealing with the uncertainty.

I am so glad I found this chat. I have been going through a 3 week episode completely panicking that I have herpes. I have extremely sensitive skin and had an allergic reaction to a new soap I was using. Well, I completely convinced myself it was herpes. (It’s subconsciously my biggest fear I think) my anxiety from fearing I had herpes got so bad I had to take 2 days off work because I worked myself up so bad. My gyno gave me the all clear, but I still don’t believe her. It’s completely exhausting thinking I have these diseases even when doctors have proved to me I don’t. I don’t know why I have this completely irrational fear of genital herpes. I have lived with cold sores my whole life and every time I get one it’s like the end of the world. I constantly wash my hands and cover the area so it doesn’t spread. I even wear latex gloves to wipe after using the restroom because of the fear the virus got on my hand and didn’t wash off.

I had it I know how it feels I would literally goggle hIV symptoms and feel like I have it But it got diverted to HOCD and now it’s just worse even worse than before. ?

Thank you, it helps to know I’m not the only one. Sometimes it makes me feel like I might never have a day that is normal and not full of thoughts about herpes.

Yes, agreed. I think it is the uncertainty. I don’t understand how other people are going about their lives without worrying that suddenly they might find out they have herpes, or give it to someone else without knowing they have it themselves. It’s incredibly frustrating, I wish I had never heard of herpes!