HerpesLady

I'm still going through my first outbreak and it started with a sore labia and uncomfortable urination. Then it progressed to bumps under the skin (like ingrown hairs) and more pain. I definitely thought it was the end of the world when I got the call that I tested positive for herpes, but my family and friends have been very supportive. Did your doctor take a swab test? Hang in there.

Just an edit: I have no more sores, and my butt cheeks and upper thighs are itchy.

Hello everyone, I recently found out I have genital herpes after going to the dr for a "UTI" that didn't clear up after meds. It was caught a week and a half after the first (painful!) symptoms. How long does the first outbreak typically last? Thankfully, it's not as painful but it's incredibly itchy? I've tried a warm epson salt bath, hydrocortisone cream, and ice packs (they help the most) but the relief only lasts minutes. Does/did anyone face this issue too? As for dating, how long after the sores disappear is it okay to have sex? I'm currently active on dating sites and don't want herpes to stop me, otherwise I'd never get back out in the dating scene. I've already done a lot of research and know that the virus can shed off me at anytime even without sores present and it can be spread when in contact with an open wound or mucosal membrane like someone's eyes, mouth, or genitals. I feel lost. I'm having a hard time with the itchiness and the constant worry of spreading it.