Job Discussion Forums

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Hey everybody. I've got a really personal issue I'd like some advice on concerning my possible time in Japan. See, like a lotta guys, I'm partial to asian women and I DO hope to date one or two while I'm there. It's certainly not the main reason I want to go, but it is one of the perks I hope to enjoy. Here's the problem though: I have genital herpes. Now, I'm assuming this won't actually bar me from getting a teaching position, but I'm at a loss as to how to explain this to the women I date. I HAVE made it a habit to tell a woman I have this before I sleep with her so she can make an informed descision, and most of them have been rather understanding. I sit um down and give um a 10-minute speech about what it is and why they don't really need to worry about it as long as we're careful. I've been with a number of women since I found out I have this and so far I've been lucky. I've told told all but three of the women I've been with since I found out I have it. Of those three, two were not told because of the language barrier. I knew I could get them to understand that I have it; that's the easy part. The hard part is getting them to understand that, as long as we're careful about it and play our cards right, their odds of getting it from me are really not very good. As I said, that's about a 10-minute explanation in English. I don't begin to know how I could tell them in Japanese. What I was thinking was that maybe there's some computer software that will allow me to type my explanation in English and have it translated to Japanese and let them read it. Any ideas? Any advice? Will I have any trouble getting the prescription I take for it while I'm there? Thanx everybody.

Omeo

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

whatthefunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 130 Location: Japan

Theres herpes in Japan too and of course theres prescriptions for it. Find an english speaking doctor, preferably one who specializes in STDs, when ya get here and he can help you out. I think herpes in japanes is harupes or something...looki it up in the dictionary. Find a girl who speaks english well enough to be able to explain to her. I wouldnt worry that much about it..

DoctorPayne · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:31 am Post subject:

Unfortunately I think this will bar you from being hired. I may be wrong but the places I went to required a clean bill of health, free from commucable diseases.

whatthefunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 130 Location: Japan

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

I don't know why anyone would seriously consider this post as legit, but ...

Celeste · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 12:35 pm Post subject:

JET never asked about STDs. They asked to have a doctor fill out a medical questionnaire that asked if the candidate had any medical conditions that might prevent him/ her from doing their job. Also, they wanted a chest x-ray because of the potential for TB.

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Yeah, I was pretty much looking at the JET program for my teaching position. Will they care that I have this?

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Does anyone know for sure whether or not this is gonna 'cause problems with me getting and keeping a job? I thought I was all good to go, but now I'm really worried this is gonna shoot down all my plans. Even if they don't ask about it during my physical before I go, they could find out while I'm there. If I seek medication for it, wouldn't the doctor be required to report me as a public health risk? What if I things go bad between me and some woman I decide to date and she rats me out? Is there any way I can find out for sure how they treat this situation, if they find out you have it?

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

STDs are actually very common in Japan, including herpes. One of my coworkers has oral herpes, and I've seen several of my students with it on their faces too. I can only imagine how many have the genital form of it. Condom usage is very sporadic here. Japanese awareness of STDs is appalling for a so-called developed country.

Herpes in Japanese is "herupesu." Go to any STD clinic (性病クリニック) or a dermatologist (皮膚科) when you're having an outbreak and they can give you some Valtrex or Zovirax.

Don't mention anything about your STDs in your interview. I'm sure there are some teachers here who have HIV, and there are several gay teachers in Japan as well. Just follow their lead and keep that information private.

Seeker of truth · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 146

Wouldn't it be far simpler to modify your sexual behavior or better yet, just get married to someone with a similar fate so that you won't continue putting others at risk? Just curious.

macondo · Joined: 12 Nov 2005 Posts: 40 Location: Gifu-ken

king kakipi · Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 353 Location: Australia

mrjohndub · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 198 Location: Saitama, Japan

A large number of people with herpes got it from their mothers during childbirth or through a kiss from an affected adult.

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Don't I have to take a physical before I go anywhere? Of course I'm smart enough not to mention it during an interview or an application, but don't I have to be cleared by my doctor before I go? I'm more worried about THEM telling on me.