Something is shifting. The way we talk about Herpes in 2026 looks nothing like it did ten years ago.

This episode is dedicated to changing the way we speak about this very, very common virus - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Because HSV affects an enormous proportion of the global population, yet it remains one of the most stigmatised, misunderstood, and under-discussed diagnoses in sexual health.

Today we're joined by Jessie, Naturopath and founder of Botanical Abundance, who specialises in hormonal, vaginal, and sexual health.

In this episode, we're going more than skin deep. We're talking about how common HSV actually is, how it spreads, why so many people go undiagnosed for years, where the stigma came from, how naturopathic care can support people, including neurodivergent folk living with HSV, what it means for fertility and pregnancy, and what someone who has just been diagnosed actually needs to hear right now.

Let's get this episode to Go Viral, excuse the pun... But this conversation is one everyone needs to be having.

Episode Resources

• Jessie-Anne, Botanical Abundance - Join her waitlist for "The Ultimate Guide to Herpes"
• Comfortable In My Skin - Herpes Stories
• Good Vibes Clinic
• @IntimateEcology

Abbreviations Used

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
• MetaDaddy aka @Meta

As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.