×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Truth Without Fear
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Living with herpes: Navigating relationships and mental health

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Unhappy Couple after an argument at their home. [Getty Images]

In today's dating scene, intimacy often comes with unforeseen risks. For many, discovering they have herpes can be a pivotal moment one that challenges perceptions, tests relationships, and prompts difficult conversations about health, trust, and stigma.

Joyce*, a 24-year-old university student, experienced this firsthand when she woke up one day with a swollen lip that persisted.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By AFP 4 hrs ago
Sports
IOC lifts Olympic ban on Belarus but Russia 'still suspended'
Sports
Kabras Sugar seek more sweetness in Kenya Cup final against KCB
Sports
Kipawa soccer academy pick key lessons from Germany tour
By Ben Ahenda 20 hrs ago
Sports
Boxers leaving nothing to chance ahead of Nakuru leg