Dating can be difficult, and approaching it while carrying an STI further complicates it. Sooner or later, you'll have to reveal your status. The thought of letting someone in on something so sensitive, let alone something that comes with a backstory, is troubling.
Even though we have access to a wealth of information, many people are still unaware of herpes. People unfamiliar with the virus may think it's a no-brainer to avoid dating someone who has it, but there's more to it than that.
Herpes simplex virus-infected people are capable of forming healthy and safe romantic relationships. Yet, it can be challenging to communicate this to a negative partner. Often, the people who understand this best are other herpes-positive singles. So, these are the ones you should look to date.
If you have the virus or know how to act in a relationship with a person who does, you can meet people with herpes on one of these dating sites and apps.
The 5 Best Dating Sites and Apps for People with Herpes
1. Positive Singles
As a dating site for people living with STI's, Positive Singles is one of the best herpes dating sites in the USA. About one million of its more than two million users are located in the United States—so many options to choose from. And it comes both as a website and an app.
For the app, all you need to do to get started is download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Creating a Positive Singles account, customizing your profile, and searching for love takes a few minutes.
Real people check all the profiles on Positive Singles to ensure that the information you provide, such as your age, education, and so on, is accurate. If you want to reveal your identity to the person you're captivated with, you'll have to do so privately.
Using the app's built-in messaging feature, you can meet with other people with herpes and share your contact information.
It's worth mentioning that the app keeps your identity a secret until you're ready for the relationship to move forward. Also, there is a filter function that makes it easy to find your match.
On the other hand, the Positive Singles website is a full-featured platform with an impressive, highly-detailed search engine. This makes it easy for users to find their matches, no matter where they are located. Moreover, the site's built-in messaging system allows all users, even those using the free version, to share phone numbers, email addresses, and other contact information.
It's also important to say that the site doesn't just match people based on their medical conditions; it also considers compatibility factors like interest, personality, star sign, and more.
As a member, you can have access to one-on-one dating counseling. If you're looking for more than medical advice, they have lively discussion forums where you can meet people with similar interests and make new friends.
Pros
- This dating site is very secure.
- The chat groups and the whole Positive Singles community makes people feel right at home.
- There are over 40 premium-only features.
- It's a secure dating site because real people vet all the members
- It has a global reach—hence you can find love from any part of the world
Cons
- Free trial users have a limited number of options
2. MPWH
Meet People with Herpes (MPWH) website found to claim that it's the first herpes dating website. Its members can be single or in a relationship, but they must have HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Because it is solely for people dating with herpes, your application will be rejected if you have another STD or STI. Many people who join MPWH are looking for long-term relationships and true love rather than casual flings.
It's worth mentioning that although MPWH caters to people with herpes, having this status is only a tiny bit of who you are. Therefore, the website has other 25 fields where you can describe your personality, likes, and other stuff.
Additionally, users appreciate that there are limited to no fake profiles. This is because every user verifies their profile.
The website also has videos and private photo albums options that make it easier to meet new people and focus on dating. It's an excellent place to get started, even though some of these features aren't included in the site's free membership.
Pros
- Connects you to HSV singles around the world.
- Has blogs and HSV discussion forums
- Has privacy features
- The app is simple to use
Cons
- Some users report constant website and app crashes
- The website is limited to only HSV members
3. HSV Singles
This friendly STD dating site welcomes you with a photo of a middle-aged pair; middle-aged people are trying to find love too. It states that all you deserve is love and compassion, which is especially true for singles with HSV. So, if you're looking for a long-term relationship that may lead to marriage, this is the place to go.
It's completely free to register on the HSV Singles site. All you need to do is select one of the following four options: man-to-man, male-to-male, male-to-female, or male-to-female. Then you're good to go.
But, the site is only available in the United States and Canada's largest metropolitan areas. So if you're living outside these areas, it might not be appropriate for you.
The site also has the premium option, which comes with many benefits, including messaging others. Still, with the free version, you can view pics and profiles.
Another downside is that HSV Singles lacks an app. However, you can use your mobile device or the internet to access the website. The website works on most browsers on smartphones.
The site also has a large number of users between the ages of 25 and 44.
People with a skin condition can use HSV Singles to find a partner and break free of the social stigma associated with their disease.
Pros
- Signing up is quick and simple
- Educates users via their blog and chat rooms
Cons
- If you're not on the premium plan, you'll have a hard time finding love
4. Meet Positives
The Meet Positives website also caters to herpes singles. It was created in 2014 as a substitute for existing dating sites with a stigma regarding herpes.
The site focuses on helping people reclaim their sense of normalcy in relationships and avoid the awkwardness of learning about the condition for the first time.
It focuses not only on finding love but on finding long-term love. So, if you're looking for a long-term relationship, this is the place to go.
It has a wealth of free tips and advice. Also, it has a strong sense of community, which is essential on any dating site nowadays. You can use it to seek assistance, voice your feelings, or offer help.
This genital herpes dating site aspires to be unique. Rather than acting as a traditional dating site, they match singles based on a variety of criteria. It has 25 other profile fields, including open-ended and multiple-choice questions.
They concentrate on shared interests and other issues that are important in long-term relationships. They also prioritize quick matches, so you don't have to wait long for the site to get back to you.
Meet Positives takes away the awkwardness of disclosing your herpes status to potential new partners.
It's important to note that opening up about your physical and mental health is essential in dating. STIs continue to thrive because no one wants to talk about them or seek early treatment. This is why it's crucial to reveal your situation as soon as possible.
This dating site aims to assist herpes and STD singles in moving forward into a more optimistic world.
Pros
- It's simple to sign up
- Users can learn about STDs by reading the blog section
- Ideal for singles with a variety of STIs
- It's a free herpes dating site that allows for dating with herpes
Cons
- There have been reports of fake profiles.
5. H-Werks
H-Werks is a low-cost way to meet other herpes singles. It has a good reputation among dating sites. This site has helped a lot of people find love. Signing up for the site is simple.
You'll be able to look at the profiles of other singles, send messages, and get quick responses. It has a sizable membership base of 1000+ singles. So if you live in US' major cities, you'll have plenty of choices.
This site provides a safe environment for you to meet other people with herpes. Like most herpes dating sites, H-werks is very supportive of singles.
Because this site focuses solely on people with herpes, it provides a more straightforward solution for herpes singles. You won't have to sift through never-ending lists of people with herpes or be concerned about being contacted by someone who doesn't have what you have. Instead of casual sex, the site focuses on friendships and relationships.
The site charges a one-time registration fee of $56. So you won't be charged monthly fees throughout your dating search. You'll have access for the rest of your life.
Pros
- Users have access to forums, a private Facebook group, and a blog section
- User-friendly
- Provides users with a wealth of information and support
Cons
- Free members can't use certain functions
- There is no app for this website
Can You Safely Use HSV Dating Sites?
As an individual with herpes or any other STD, your primary concern is privacy and security. In essence, most people who have HSV-1 or HSV-2 don't want the rest of the world to know. Even their closest relatives and friends may not be aware of it.
While you can always choose to meet someone on a traditional dating site, these sites aren't set up to screen for people like you. So far, your safest option is herpes dating sites.
It's worth mentioning that dating sites are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they operate. For instance, in the United States, they're governed by consumer data privacy laws. Because breaking these laws can result in jail time, most legitimate websites adhere to them. That's why it's critical to do your homework and pick a reputable website like the ones we've listed above.
All legitimate websites have a profile verification process. This means that all members have to provide some form of ID to register. Verification prevents scammers from registering on the site.
Yet, it doesn't mean that you're entirely safe. You can always go with a user name; you don't have to disclose your complete identity on an STD dating site.
The main goal of these dating sites is to keep their members safe while dating. Indeed, they're the best option for safeguarding your information and health status while you search for real connections. If you encounter a member who's out of line, be sure to block or report them.
Essential Dating Tips for Persons with HSV-1 and HSV-2
These are some of the essential tips to consider while dating herpes.
- Always inform your dates about your status before having sex. Still, remember that you're not obliged to detail how you got or who infected you, etc.
- Ask them about their status and whether they know if it's HSV-1 or HSV-2.
- Before getting into a committed relationship or marriage, always use complete protection. Bear in mind that other STDs exist. You don't want to have another health concern.
- Always encourage your online dates and connections. Soak up their story or give them advice. Show them that you care.
- If your date doesn't have herpes, you can still tell them that you're interested in dating them. With the current developments in medicine, you can safely date them. If they're apprehensive, take time to educate them. If they're not interested, walk away.
- If your date asks for medical proof of your HSV status, tell them you'd be happy to share it if they wanted to keep dating, but not right away.
- Continually educate yourself on your conditions. Many changes and advancements come with time. There may be a better natural or prescription treatment for you.
So, are you ready to meet other singles with herpes, be sure to check out one—if not all—of these herpes dating sites. There's love out there. Don't limit yourself. Open yourself up to interacting with the singles on these sites. Whether you're looking for a casual fling or a long-term relationship, there's someone out there for you.