Woman claims God gave her an STI and calls it a 'blessing'

She says contracting the infection helped turn her life around

A woman who contracted an STI has said she believes the infection was given to her by God and that it turned out to be a "blessing" in disguise. Bear with us. Las Vegas native Alexandra Harbushka contracted both genital and oral herpes back in 2011, a time when she was reportedly struggling with alcohol, binge-eating and poor finances. However, having since turned her life around, she now believes that contracting these infections was a bit of "divine intervention" which led to her getting married and having her fist child. Speaking to the Mail Online, the 39-year-old explained how she was just about to turn 30 when she picked up the STI and still living with her parents. As a result of the diagnosis, she says she fell into a "suffocating" depression and although she struggled to recover mentally, she knew that she needed to make a change. Embarking on a journey of "self-acceptance and self-confidence" Harbushka told her followers in a recent TikTok that she now believes "getting herpes was a good thing" for her and that "God put this in my life so that I could make better choices".

@lifewithherpes When we’re diagnosed we think our lives are over. I was there for 2 years! I get it! When i look back at where i was in 2011 i was not where i was supposed to be or who I was supposed to be. Getting herpes forced me to make the changes that needed to happen. What positive changes have you made? Tell me in thr comments. #herpes #coldsores #livingwithherpes #lifewithherpes #hsv1 #hsv2 ♬ Happy family for refreshing and bright piano commercials and VPs(882196) - RYOpianoforte

As she goes on to explain, it wasn't just about cutting down on "binge-eating" and avoiding dates with "the wrong guys", it was about becoming a more responsible adult and she is convinced that "God was giving [her] messages along the way" that she wasn't on the right path or being the person she was supposed to be. Her channel, entitled Life With Herpes - which also happens to the name of the blog and podcast company she set up - aims to raise awareness surrounding the disease and other STIs. Celebrating 10 years free from herpes earlier this year, Harbushka took to her Instagram to post a behind-the-scenes video discussing her anniversary as part of a commercial campaign. The social media creator now enjoys brand deals and a huge online following thanks to her career as an influencer promoting sexual health. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeCsDzeJNNN/