STIs have been on the rise since the late 1990s.

Though some continents are more affected than others.

I was afraid to tell my husband. I was equal parts afraid to be accused of cheating or learn he had, even though logic assured me otherwise. I thought of not saying anything. I envisioned stashing my pills in the inner pocket of my handbag, making excuses to avoid sex. While it sucks to have herpes, it's not a death sentence. If you ever have to deliver this kind of news to a partner, don't do what I did and treat it like the end of the world.

So, it's happened. You've contracted herpes from a partner. Maybe you knew about it, maybe it's a surprise, but it might be a bit of a wrench in your gears -- at first. It doesn't mean that will never date again and it doesn't mean that you are "damaged goods." Read on to get some helpful tips for moving past the diagnosis.