Join SAS NSW members for our annual general meeting (AGM) and professional development session for your chance to win 50% off a SIPS ticket in Adelaide!
The AGM will immediately follow our professional development session.
7.30pm: Herpes Stigma: A new issue for an old virus with NSW President Andrew Everingham
8.30pm: AGM online (and lucky draw for half price SIPS ticket prize!)
Zoom links for the Professional Development session and the AGM are the same- just stay online!
Herpes Stigma: A new issue for an old virus
Herpes has been around for as long as humans have been, longer even, but the stigma associated with these infections is relatively new in the scheme of history. With global distribution, and overwhelming prevalence statistics, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and 2 are some of the most common transmittable viruses around. Despite their high numbers, long history, and low relative health impacts, HSV 1 and 2 have some of the highest associations with stigma and shame of any of the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Challenges often arise for doctors, nurses, sexual health counsellors, sexologists, sex therapists and relationship counsellors when a client is referred with a HSV diagnosis. Some of the questions we often face are “Will I ever have sex again?”, “How can I tell partners?”, “How do I prevent transmission?”, and “What do I do now that I’m dirty?”
Join SASNSW as we unpack some of these questions and dive deep into the history of Herpes associated stigma and shame.
We’ll be discussing:
- The epidemiology and natural history of HSV 1 and 2
- The history of Herpes stigma
- Treatment, prevention and disclosure strategies
- Psychosocial/sexual impacts of a HSV1 or 2 diagnosis
- Therapeutic approaches and interventions
About the Speaker
Andrew Everingham is the Senior Social Worker at Nepean Sexual Health and HIV Clinic. Andrew has worked in the public health system for more than 15 years, primarily in the fields of sexual health, HIV and Hepatitis C social work. Andrew completed his Masters in Psychosexual Therapy in 2019 and also operates a part time private sex therapy practice focusing on sexual dysfunction and relationship issues in the beautiful Blue Mountains, where he resides with his family. He is the current NSW President for the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS) and the chairperson for the Sexual Health Counsellors Association of NSW (SCAN). Andrew’s sexology interests are varied but include men’s sexual health, LGBTIQA+ issues, infidelity, sexual health counselling and HIV/STI anxiety.
The zoom links will come with your confirmation of registration via email.
The Society of Australian Sexologists Ltd (SAS) represents health and allied health professionals working in the area of sex therapy, sexuality education, sexual health and sexology.
