Welcome to The Helper
The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) published the first issue of The Helper in 1979, in response to an overwhelming public demand for unbiased, accurate information about herpes simplex virus infection. The Helper was an essential part of ASHA’s Herpes Resource Center (HRC), the first national outreach center for people with herpes. As the inaugural issue of The Helper stated, the establishment of the HRC was “the first step along a road of hope for the thousands of individuals who have suffered silently for too long.”
Published as a subscription-based publication for more than 30 years, The Helper is now available free online. From testing and treatment options to the differences and consequences of the different viral types, to the emotional issues of dealing with a stigmatized infection and communicating with intimate partners about it, the articles presented here cover a wide range of issues of interest to our readers and reflect some of the best the newsletter has had to offer over the past three decades along with latest news, research and commentary.
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Posted On Emotional Support
Coping With Herpes
Study examines psychological adjustment of women with genital herpes Many people—perhaps even you—have turned to the Internet to both learn…
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Posted On Emotional Support
HELP of Washington
Our conversation this issue is with Laura N., one of the coordinator’s with the HELP of Washington (D.C.) HSV support…
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Posted On Emotional Support
Metro Detroit HELP
In this issue we feature a conversation with JoAnn Purkey, one of the coordinators with the Metro Detroit HELP Group.…
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Posted On Emotional Support
Answering the Calls
ASHA’s Kathy Lafferty reflects on nearly two decades of educating the public and health professionals alike on HSV Over a…
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Posted On Sexual Health
The Relationship Doctor
Deborah Cooper on love, sex, and HSV The emotional impact that accompanies genital herpes – especially in the beginning- often…
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Posted On Sexual Health
Not Just for High School Anymore: Sex Ed Across the Lifespan
Sex ed. For many of us that conjures thoughts of the health or gym teacher fumbling through notes on the…
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Posted On Sexual Health
The Challenger: An Interview with Jenelle Marie of The STD Project
Ah, the assumptions we have to challenge. “Now, it’s much harder to realize my goals. How will I date and…
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Posted On Sexual Health
Never Shy: M. Joycelyn Elders, MD, on Sexual Health
A pediatrician. A university professor. Arkansas state health director. The 15th Surgeon General of the United States. An outspoken champion…