mr_hopp

Hey there @protacotaster, It's quite the journey you've been on (it's been a similar length of time for me, too!), and it's impressive how in tune you've become with your body's signals. It sounds like you've mastered the art of recognizing the prodrome phase and being ready for what comes next. The way you describe it, it's like a script your body follows, though with some improvisations each time – poor sleep, fatigue, the whole emotional rollercoaster. And then that burning sensation, like a not-so-welcome encore, making its way down your legs and ending in that pinch while you pee. It's like your body's way of giving you the heads-up, "Hey, here comes the main event." It's understandable that the outbreak itself might bring a sense of closure, like the final scene of a play. You're right, it's almost like your body's way of saying, "Okay, the show's over, we've done our thing." Keep being a pro at deciphering the clues your body gives you. It's amazing how adaptable and resilient we become in the face of challenges. And hey, thank you for sharing your experience here – it's an eye-opener for many, a glimpse into the intricate dance between our bodies and this virus. Wishing you all the best in navigating these phases and finding your own unique ways to handle the drama. Stay strong and keep those positive vibes flowing! 🌞💪

Hey there @MangoMan, I can definitely understand how this situation might be causing some confusion and concern — sounds frustrating! It's good to hear that suppressive therapy with Valtrex has helped with reducing your outbreaks and providing some relief for your mental health. The rashes you're experiencing under the foreskin are a bit perplexing, especially since they've persisted even after starting the suppressive therapy. HSV-2 outbreaks can vary in presentation, and sometimes they might not follow the typical blister pattern. The inflammation and rash you're describing might be associated with your HSV-2. The immune response to the virus can cause various skin reactions. However, considering the history of a fungal infection and the fact that the rashes started after it, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility that there could be some residual effect. Fungal infections can sometimes be stubborn and might require more than one course of treatment to fully clear up. It's great that you're in communication with your GP about this. If your current treatment plan doesn't seem to be addressing these rashes, it might be worth discussing further investigations or even consulting a specialist. At the very least, get the area swabbed and PCR tested when you're seeing the rash present. That will give you another useful datapoint to work with. Here's to hoping for some clarity and relief soon, brother! 👊

Hey there @bingus1000, First things first, I'm not a doctor, but I can give you some thoughts based on your situation. It sounds like you've been through a bit of a rollercoaster with your test results — it's a common confusion! The numbers you've mentioned are the IgG index values from your blood tests, which can sometimes lead to uncertainty, especially when they're hovering around the equivocal range. I would highly suggest your supplemental blood test be with the Western Blot since that is the gold standard of herpes blood testing. It costs a couple hundred bucks, but it's worth it for peace of mind. The negative supplemental test is a positive sign, but considering your consistent concern and desire for clarity, it's not unreasonable to explore further testing. While it's possible that you had a genital infection of HSV-1, without a swab test during an active outbreak, it's hard to definitively determine the type. Regarding disclosure, you've already demonstrated a lot of responsibility by keeping your partners informed about the uncertainty of your situation. That's an ethical and considerate approach, which shows that you're taking their health into consideration. Ultimately, the decision to continue disclosing would depend on your comfort level and how much clarity you want. If a more conclusive test helps you feel more at ease, it might also help in making your disclosure decisions moving forward. Remember, this situation is complex, and it's okay to seek more information to put your mind at ease. Hang in there, and hopefully, you'll get the answers you're seeking soon.

Hey there @Virgeaux, I hear you, and I want you to know that you're not alone in feeling this way. The diagnosis can hit hard, especially when it's unexpected. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and pissed off at the world. But remember, you're still you. Herpes doesn't define who you are or your worth. You're the one who gets to do that. It's good to see that you're taking steps to engage with your surroundings, like hitting the gym and redecorating your room with your mom and sister. These activities might seem small, but they can be powerful in helping you reclaim a sense of control and normalcy. And talking to your mom and sister about your diagnosis is a brave move – their support will certainly mean a lot during this time. Feeling like you've cut everyone off is a common response (like no one else really understands, right?), but remember that you don't have to carry this alone. Connecting with others who are going through or have gone through similar experiences can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding that's hard to find elsewhere. I myself was gobsmacked when I started talking to close friends about it more openly and they would open up to me about hard, shameful things going on in their lives that they had been hiding from me. It brought us all closer together. As human beings. It just normalized the truth that everyone suffers in their own way, and everyone feels so alone in their own way. As for your emotions, it's absolutely okay to feel all that you're feeling. Grieving the life you thought you had is a process, and it's important to give yourself the time and space to do so. Confidence and self-love might feel distant now, but they're not gone forever. They might look a bit different now, but they're still there, waiting for you to rediscover. In fact, as ironic and backwards as it may seem now, the time after my herpes diagnosis (after my own dark storm cloud eventually blew over) was filled with more love and joy than I had even before my diagnosis. Because I was forced to look deeper. You're stronger than you might think. It takes time to adjust, but you'll find your way through this. And that dark cloud you're feeling? It might seem like it's here to stay, but clouds do move on. It's in their nature. It's weather. Reach out to others who understand, seek professional guidance if needed, and remember that you're not defined by a virus. You've got this – one step at a time. Sending you a virtual hug!

Hi @Tj081999, great that you want to confirm via Western Blot; it's not uncommon for IGG tests to occasionally show false positives or negatives, especially around the borderline range like 1.21. The Western Blot is considered the gold standard for herpes testing, so it should provide you with a clearer picture of your status, especially since you're past the requisite 12-week mark post exposure. Since you got the kit through Terri, be sure to follow her instructions and you should be good. Usually, the lab should be familiar with the process of drawing the sample for the Western Blot, but it doesn't hurt to give them a call beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here is a helpful page that goes over all the technical details for the lab that will be doing the blood draw: https://testguide.labmed.uw.edu/view/HSWB?tabs=no Let us know how it goes!

Hey there, @pbw_9! First of all, congrats on your sweet sweet baby! And kudos for being proactive and seeking answers. It's completely natural to be concerned, especially when you're experiencing new sensations. (That momma bear is in full effect!) HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes, but it can also cause genital infections, but that only tends to happen through oral-genital contact (aka oral sex when the partner has cold sores and goes down on their partner). However, the symptoms you're describing might not necessarily point directly to a genital HSV-1 infection. Burning sensations can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes after childbirth, dryness, or even stress. Also, if you've had HSV-1 for 13 years, your body has built up plenty of antibodies for it to not spread orally to genitally. Auto-inoculation (spreading herpes from one part of your body to another) generally only happens with those who have weak immune systems or in the window of time where the body hasn't had enough time to develop antibodies to keep the virus under control. The tingling sensation around your mouth might have triggered a bit of a scare, and it's good that you stopped taking Lysine when you noticed the side effects. Sometimes, our bodies can react differently to supplements. Regarding the burning pelvic pain, have you checked in with your doc about it? It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if the pain persists. They can help determine the cause and provide appropriate guidance. Lastly, I'd advise against relying on Dr. Google – it can often lead to unnecessary worry. It's still the wild wild west out there! 😆 Keep your spirits up, and remember that seeking medical guidance is the best step forward. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to reach out. You got this!

You're welcome, and I appreciate your kind words! Regarding your question, the neuropathy you're experiencing might not necessarily indicate active herpes. Neuropathy can be a lingering effect from previous outbreaks, but herpes-related neuropathy is rare for most people as far as I understand. However, it's always a good idea to stay cautious, especially when it comes to sexual activity. Even if the virus isn't actively shedding (which can for the most part be asymptomatic), there's still a possibility of transmission. For specific transmission rates depending on strain/location, see the free ebook and handouts here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook Remember, herpes can be quite unpredictable, and symptoms or sensations like neuropathy can vary widely from person to person. It's always a good practice to err on the side of caution when it comes to intimacy. In general, it's always helpful to have an open conversation with your partner about your situation, so you can both make informed decisions about how to keep your partner safe. It's a responsibility that both of you share to be on the same page about. Keep up the positivity and stay informed – that's half the battle right there!

Not an overshare at all, @Rob72723! I've just been super busy and missed it, my apologies. 🙏 Navigating the ethical waters of disclosing can be a bit murky. It sounds like you're treading thoughtfully, and that's what counts. When it comes to HSV-1, it's true that a huge chunk of the population has it (anywhere between 47-80%, depending on which reliable source you pull from). Cold sores, yup, they're not exactly a rarity. Now, disclosing to past partners is a whole different story. If you suspect she might have given it to you, well, it's a bit of a maze. It's a personal call, really. 16 months down the line from a breakup – that's a hefty chunk of time. And reopening old wounds could be a can of worms. However, if she's blissfully unaware that she could pass this virus to future partners, it could be seen as a civic duty to at least educate her on that point. I'd say, consider these: How sure are you about her having it, and how certain are you that she's the one who gave it to you? How might this disclosure impact her, considering the past breakup? Would it provide clarity or just stir up negative vibes? But hey, Terri's advice on disclosing sounds pretty practical. If you do decide to do it, maybe framing it as "I might have had something going on down there, but I can't be entirely sure" could be the middle ground. The key is being open, honest, and respectful. Because hey, that's the kind of relationship you ultimately want to have, right?

Hey @Herpes123, It's good that you're back on Valtrex and feeling some relief from the neuropathy symptoms. It can be tough to manage outbreaks, especially when they come with uncomfortable nerve pain. When you're on suppressive therapy like Valtrex, it's meant to reduce viral shedding and the frequency of outbreaks. If your symptoms are subsiding and you're on the antiviral medication, the risk of transmission is lowered (by about 50%). However, it's important to remember that even during daily suppressive therapy, there's still asymptomatic viral shedding happening, just ~50% less. If you're considering becoming sexually active while on suppressive therapy and with your symptoms calming down, it's a good idea to have an open and honest conversation with your partner. Making sure both of you are comfortable and informed about the situation can help you both make an informed decision together. And don't worry about your English – your message is perfectly clear. We're all here to support each other, no matter the language.

No, the number says nothing except for whether you have herpes or not; that number simply means you have it.

Hi @Tj081999 — We generally don't offer visual diagnoses via pics here because 1) it's hard to do and get it right since a rash can be so many things, and 2) we're not doctors. When you say you took a herpes test, did you get it swabbed and PCR tested or you mean you took a blood test? If a blood test, then any possible herpes antibodies won't be detectable for 12+ weeks. Since you have something physical going on, then a PCR test would be the most reliable thing to do at this point.

Hey there, I second what @AlliKat12 shared. Understanding the facts about HSV can help to ease the overwhelming feelings that often come with a diagnosis. HSV-2, which you've tested positive for, usually prefers the genital area. Getting HSV-2 orally is really rare (only 1-2% of all oral herpes cases are HSV-2, the rest are HSV-1), so sharing cups or kissing won't spread it since the virus tends to stay below the waistline. It typically spreads only through skin-to-skin sexual contact (think friction, grinding) with the infected area. Medication is a personal choice. I have both genital HSV-2 and oral HSV-1, and to keep my wife safe (she hasn't gotten herpes yet for the 9 years we've been together, and we have a 6-year-old), I take daily suppressive therapy (Acyclovir), which is very well-tolerated. I just take it with my other vitamins every day. If you do choose medication, it can reduce the chances of viral shedding by about half. Keep in mind that you can still pass on both HSV-1 and HSV-2 during asymptomatic viral shedding, but the odds are relatively low (see the handouts and e-book for all the data). Using condoms and medication further decrease those already small chances. (Female to male transmission = 4%/yr without condom and meds; 2%/yr with either condom or meds; 1%/yr with condom and meds). It's absolutely a myth that herpes is rare — most of the world has some form of herpes, as @AlliKat12 shared (you'd be in the extreme minority if you didn't have herpes!). So you're certainly not alone. Hang in there!

Hey there @Ari678, First off, take a deep breath. It's a rollercoaster of emotions when you first get this news, but trust me, it's not the end of the road. I was in a pretty similar place when I found out, thinking my love life was doomed. But here's the real deal: the person who sticks around and is understanding, like the guy you're dating, that's a pretty good sign of their character. You've already got a positive start there. And about your three-year-old, they're still gonna see the amazing mom you are, herpes or not. I totally get your worries about physical contact. It's natural to be cautious, especially in the beginning. But over time, you'll learn the ins and outs of how herpes works, and it won't be as scary. Educate yourself and your partner, and that'll go a long way in easing those fears. Start with the free e-book and handouts here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook As for feeling like you won't find love or acceptance again, I've been down that road. It's a common worry, but it's absolutely not set in stone. There are sooooo many understanding and loving people out there who won't care about the herpes tag. Why? Because they will see YOU more than they see a little virus. (And heck, 80% of people who have herpes don't even know they have it.) Here's the bottom line: you're not alone in this. We've all had those dark moments, but trust me, the sun shines again. Focus on loving yourself first, get educated to keep the anxiety at bay, and the rest will follow suit. It's a journey, but you're strong enough to navigate it. Keep your chin up!

So sorry I missed this one, @Rob72723! Are you still around and need an answer to this?

Great question, @laketodo! Have you previously experienced an external outbreak, or did you discover your herpes status through a positive blood test? If you've had external outbreaks, then any potential internal ones typically coincide with these external episodes. (And for an added layer of data-gathering, you could go to your doctor when you're having an external outbreak to have them look internally as well.) The virus, when reactivating from dormancy, stimulates regions along the nerves where outbreaks usually pop up. So it's super rare to have an internal outbreak without any external signs or symptoms. From everything I've heard (and even in talking with Terri), recurring outbreaks inside the vagina are rare; most outbreaks are somewhere on the labia, around the anus or on the buttocks. The primary strategy to protect partners is abstaining from sexual activity when you notice any signs or symptoms. If you abstain when you have any signs or symptoms, the transmission rates for female-to-male transmission apply. This translates to approximately 4% annually without a condom or daily suppressive therapy meds, and 1% with both preventive measures. You can find comprehensive info about transmission risk in the handouts with H Opp's free ebook here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook

I felt the same as you. Our lives parallel in a lot of ways it seems. My ex cheated on me during Christmas holiday, got herpes, and gave it to me. I always found it difficult to find dates. I was awkward and didn't know how to meet women. It all felt like it came to a head when I got herpes. "If it was already hard for me, now it's impossible." I wish I could pop you out of your current perspective so you can really see that: It's a perspective. And perspectives can change. And it's up to you to believe that you can change your perspective. https://www.herpesopportunity.com/post/herpes-is-not-an-opportunity

Have you gone to your doc to get the patch tested via PCR swab? That'd be the first step.

@Lj-broken & @Sunnygurl I want to acknowledge your feelings and the challenges you've been facing. It's not uncommon for the weight of a herpes diagnosis to feel insurmountable, especially when coupled with other life challenges. When I first received my diagnosis, I went through a similar phase of overwhelming despair. It felt like everything had changed, and the future seemed bleak. I cried in my mom's lap in her work parking lot for hours. It was a hard, hard time. But looking back, I've come to realize that a significant portion of that despair was rooted in the stigma and misconceptions surrounding herpes. Just like you, I felt as though my love life and overall happiness were shattered. It's like watching a terrifying movie and then carrying that fear into real life, reacting to something that's been sensationalized and blown out of proportion. I now have a wife. I have a 6 year old kid. Life moves on. But if I would have told my past self that, the one crying in my mom's lap, he would have laughed at me and called me a liar. The truth is, the stigma attached to herpes has been perpetuated by various factors, and most of it is far from reality. Herpes is a virus, and while it has implications, they're not nearly as dire as they might seem at first. Learning to separate the hype from the reality has been a journey for me, and I'm grateful I faced it head-on. What I want to emphasize to both of you is the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. The stigma is a construct, and its power diminishes when we choose not to internalize it. Rejecting ourselves before anyone else has the chance to is like predicting our own failure. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we convince ourselves that we'll be alone and rejected, we might not even try to connect with others or disclose our status. The real challenge here is not the virus itself; it's the journey toward embracing and loving ourselves, irrespective of our health status. It takes immense courage to be vulnerable, but it's through that vulnerability that we give others a chance to know and love us for who we are. We must be the drivers of our narrative, breaking down the stigma and fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. Remember, you are not defined by a virus, and you're both deserving of love and connection. Reach out for professional help when needed, connect with those who understand, and know that there's a community here ready to support you. Life is challenging for everyone in a variety of ways, but it's also full of opportunities for growth, love, and connection. You are stronger than you realize, and together we can work towards a more positive and empowered perspective. I saw this great snippet from an amazing interview with Stephen Colbert that drives this point home: P.S. — And yes, definitely find a different doctor. That's unacceptable. You have every right to get on suppressive medication.

Hi again, @Sunnygurl! I'd say it's better to be asymptomatic (20% of people who carry HSV never have an outbreak) so you don't experience the discomfort of herpes outbreaks. Everyone who carries HSV sheds. Whether you have a history of outbreaks or not, you are shedding at times, you just don't know when. Shedding doesn't necessarily only coincide with outbreaks, it can happen anytime (although you can think of shedding as shedding on steroids that overwhelms the surface of the skin to create the outbreak). The full term for shedding is "asymptomatic viral shedding" since there are no signs or symptoms. And the rate of shedding depends on whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2 and where the primary infection is. Genital HSV-2 sheds the most (15-30% of days of the year). The details are on the free handouts here: https://www.herpesopportunity.com/lp/ebook You don't necessarily shed less if you are in that 20% camp of folks who haven't had an outbreak, so this shouldn't change the part of the disclosure where you discuss potential risk.

Hey there @Herpes123, No need to apologize for your English – you're doing just fine! Dealing with genital herpes is no joke, and I'm sorry to hear about the constant struggle you've been facing. It sounds like you've been on a rollercoaster ride of pain and frustration, and that's tough. It's great that you're trying different things to find relief. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to figure out what works best for our bodies. Lysine and ozone therapy are options that some folks explore, and I understand your hesitation about being dependent on meds. But it's helpful to note that all herpes medications are very well-tolerated over the long-term, so if meds bring you relief, definitely consider them. At least until you find something better. Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) sounds interesting. I haven't tried it and haven't come across anyone who has. Of course it's a personal decision whether to give it a shot, especially when it's something relatively new and potentially expensive. If it's offering a break from the constant outbreaks and providing some quality of life, it might be worth considering. But from what I'm reading — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9680246 — the results look promising, that after 2-3 administrations, SOT could inhibit the replication and metabolism of viruses, including HSV. But it's important to not that these findings are still preliminary, so further research and trials are needed to evaluate safety and effectiveness. It's certainly a balancing of the pros and cons and unknowns!

Hey, Welcome back, @Sunnygurl! I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and emotions here. It takes guts to open up about something as personal as this, and I want you to know that you're among friends who understand what you're going through. Dating and disclosing can be a real rollercoaster, especially when you're asymptomatic. It sounds like you've handled it like a champ with those good reactions and acceptances – kudos to you! Getting close to someone and not being able to fully experience intimacy can be tough. But it's awesome that you and your partner are communicating openly and considering your options. That is a good sign. To talk about things vs. not. And going to the doctor together is a smart move – accurate info is key. Just make sure you go to an open-minded, non-stigmatized doctor. You might be surprised by how many doctors out there carry the stigma and judgment. I totally get the anxiety – uncertainty can mess with our minds. But remember, you're strong. You've dealt with challenges before, and you've got the resilience to deal with this too. You're absolutely right about worth and value. Herpes doesn't define you. You're a whole package, with quirks, strengths, and dreams. And the right person will see that – herps or no herps. It's great that you've got folks around you who understand. They're living proof that life goes on, herpes or not. And yep, HSV-1 often doesn't get the same flak as HSV-2. But remember, feelings are feelings, and yours are real. Hey, life throws curveballs, but it also serves up some amazing moments. You've got the power to handle whatever comes your way. Lean on this community whenever you need – we're here to listen, share, and support. Keep your chin up, take things one step at a time, and remember, you're never alone in this journey. Stay strong, you got this.

Hey @very_obvious_throwaway, I totally feel you on the frustration of dealing with recurrent outbreaks – it can be a real rollercoaster. I'll try to help clarify some things ... The idea that outbreaks get less severe and less frequent with time is a general trend, but it's not set in stone for everyone. Everyone's body is a little different, and factors like stress, immune system strength, and even just plain luck can play a role. The outbreak that lasted a month and felt more painful than the initial one might have been a fluke, or it might have been influenced by some unique circumstances. Genital herpes can indeed pop up in new areas, including the sit-bones (it's actually very common for people who are used to only genital outbreaks to occasionally get outbreaks on or around the butt area). The herpes virus hangs out in your nerve cells, and outbreaks happen when it decides to travel along the nerve to the skin's surface. So, yes, it's possible to have outbreaks in new locations even after the initial infection, but it's not necessarily because of auto-inoculation (transferring herpes from an outbreak on one part of their body to another, which only tends to happen during a primary outbreak before antibodies are established). Your understanding isn't off the mark, but herpes has its sneaky ways. Feeling like you're losing control is understandable, but remember, you're not alone in this. As for spreading herpes despite being careful, while the virus's behavior can be a bit unpredictable, you're not a danger to yourself. Herpes isn't likely to just hop around your body randomly. As for your other questions: It's tough to definitively say if a new site will have recurrent outbreaks or if it's a one-time thing. It could go either way. For me, all my outbreaks (on both my mouth and genitals) recur in exactly the same place. However, the appearance of blisters doesn't necessarily mean the virus is fully established in the nerves at that site. Time will be the true tester here. The appearance of new blisters close to the initial outbreak area is usually a continuation of the same outbreak. It's not so much a new patch of skin being infected by released virus particles; it's just the virus moving along the nerve pathway. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Hey there, No judgment here – life is full of unpredictable moments. It's understandable that in the heat of the moment, some things slip our minds. First off, give yourself a break; we're all human. And in your awkward and bad feelings lies an important lesson about your integrity. On some level, you didn't just forget; denial can be a tricky thing, and it can have us putting off important conversations. And when we put off important conversations, they become more difficult to have. When it comes to disclosure, honesty is key. Since you're planning to talk to him soon, just be open about it. Let him know that you should have mentioned it earlier but got caught up in the moment. Explain that you've had ohsv1 your whole life, and while the odds of transmission are low, you believe in transparency. Chances are, he'll appreciate your honesty and understanding of the situation. People generally respond well when they see that you're approaching it responsibly. So, take a deep breath, and remember – awkward moments can lead to great conversations. Best of luck, and I hope it all goes smoothly for you! Stay real ...

Hey there @BallroomD, Totally get where you're coming from – having a strong connection with your partner and a vibrant love life is fantastic. And balancing that with managing herpes can be a challenge. It's great that you're practicing safe sex and being mindful about outbreaks and shedding. Your relationship sounds awesome, bravo for that! You're right about the shedding period after an outbreak – it's typically around 14-21 days for the first outbreak, but it tapers off after that as your body builds up more and more of a natural defense (aka antibodies). The general consensus is to wait until any outbreak completely clears (scabs fall off naturally) and then wait a few days after that. Others say up to 2 weeks. But it's going to depend on how long you've had herpes and how strong your immune system is. Personally, I've always waited a week after new skin shows, but there's no hard-and-fast answer for you that will guarantee anything 100%. As you say, there's always a risk, we're just trying to minimize that risk to our partner while balancing having a healthy sex life with them. Since this is only your 2nd outbreak, I think waiting a few weeks is great. After you've had herpes for about a year, your body should have it enough under control that you can safely wait a week after scabs fall off to engage in sexual activity again to minimize the risk of transmission. The big kicker here is this: Even though you have an outbreak (or are healing from a recent one), intimacy doesn't have to be off the table! Maybe penetrative sex in the ways you're used to together isn't available, but you just need to be creative. And that can be a huge opportunity to expand your sexual horizons together. For me personally, playing these kinds of games has actually deepened our connection. Any couple can get into sexual ruts; and even herpes outbreaks can be a gift to throw a curve ball into your established patterns and force you to expand the idea of what's possible. Sexuality is only a small part that resides within a much bigger bubble called Intimacy. (In fact, one of the most profound sexual experiences I've had was during one of these "creative times" that had both my partner and I stepping outside of our comfort zones to do something we wouldn't have tried otherwise. Go figure! So much of this is in our head, based on the perspective we choose to take.) With that said, here are some fun things that I've done that has been really awesome for our sex life: Mutual masturbation. Watching each other as we masturbate is super hot, and you get to see how each other likes to be touched. It's simultaneously hot and a learning experience for the next time you touch each other. The "boxers-off-limits" game. Tell your partner in a playful and sexy way that we're going to play a game where you get to touch me and try to turn me on anywhere on my body but my boxer shorts. Focus on her pleasure. She gets to be the Queen. She tells you what she wants, how she wants it, and for how long. You do as you're told. Focus on her pleasure and go deep into what turns her on and makes her feel great. Sensual massages: Taking turns giving each other massages can be incredibly intimate and pleasurable. Use scented oils, dim the lights, and let your hands do the talking. Sexy storytelling: Share fantasies, tell each other steamy stories, or even write erotic letters to each other. This can set the mood without direct physical contact. Sensual baths or showers: Getting clean together can be an intimate experience. Use the opportunity to pamper each other and enjoy the closeness. Tantric practices: Explore tantric techniques that focus on building and channeling sexual energy without necessarily engaging in penetrative sex. (This also "charges you up" even more so when you can engage in penetrative sex again, it's ... explosive.) Sensory play: Blindfolds, feather ticklers, ice cubes – engaging different senses can create a unique and exciting experience. Role-playing: Pick out roles or scenarios that intrigue both of you. It's a fun way to step into different characters and enjoy a fresh dynamic. Remember, the most important thing is open communication and mutual consent. Your willingness to explore and adapt together can bring you even closer. So, have fun, stay safe, and keep nurturing that strong connection. Sounds amazing!

1. being that the supplemental test came back negative, that would mean I’m negative for hsv2 outside of the protected exposure that took place 3 days before my initial Labcorp test as my only other partner is my long term partner of 10+ years. Correct. It's a good data point to have so you can know your status pre-encounter. 2. what would the earliest antibodies would start to develop from the current exposure? I’m guessing I wouldn’t get a 1.06 equivocal or 1.88 hsv1 igg if this was related to the encounter 3 days before the Labcorp test, correct? Trying to see if these values were somehow related to the recent event or not. From what I’ve read online, antibodies don’t start to show up until 21 days plus. Is this accurate? The timing of seroconversion (the development of detectable antibodies) for HSV can vary. Typically, IgM antibodies might start to appear within a week or two after exposure, but they can be difficult to interpret due to cross-reactivity with other viruses (which is why IgM tests suck). IgG antibodies, on the other hand, generally take longer to develop. It can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks (and occasionally longer) for HSV IgG antibodies to become detectable in the blood following a primary infection. The specific values you mentioned (1.06 equivocal or 1.88 for HSV1 IgG) would not likely be related to an exposure only 3 days before the test. These values would more likely be related to a past exposure. 3. with a 1.88 hsv1 igg if this was a previous infection, I would think the number would be a healthier number, at least above 5-6, right? Many folks online that are known positive are in the double digits from an igg standpoint vs the 1.88 I received. You know, figuring out HSV IgG test results can be like reading tea leaves sometimes. It's just not as simple as looking at a number and knowing what's going on. People are different, labs are different, and those numbers can mean various things. Think of it like a scale: anything below 0.9 is generally considered a no-go, meaning negative. Anything above 1.1, and you're in the positive territory. But those in-between numbers? They're kind of like being in limbo and can be tricky to pin down. The tests themselves might even have different thresholds, so it's best to check with the doc or the lab to know exactly what's what. Now, about that 1.88 you mentioned. That's typically a yes – a positive for HSV-1. But here's the thing: it doesn't come with a timestamp. You can't tell when you got it or how strong your body's response is just by that number. And let's not forget that these numbers can be finicky. Different labs, methods, even your own body can make those numbers dance around. Comparing your 1.88 with someone else's double digits? It's like comparing apples to oranges. It doesn't mean one's more robust or "healthier" than the other; it's just different.