iamcarlosfive

Hey @CFlip - I'm Carlos. I'm not new to this forum but I have been away for a long time living life, or rather, navigating life. I acquired HSV back in 2002; I was 30 years old. At the time I was dating only men (used to date women in my teens and 20s). I learned it was anal HSV after an unusual rash on my left buttcheek. During my teens, I used to get a lot buttne (butt acne), so I thought the rash, although unusual looking, was related to either that, or folliculitis. I dismissed it as such because aside from itching and some skin swelling, I did not experience the typical flu-like symptoms that herald the first outbreak of HSV. I applied anti-itch ointments (even Caladryl!) A couple of weeks later my butt skin was clear... well, there were a couple of pimples as usual. What floored me was that 90 days later or so, the identical rash appeared again on the left buttock but further down near the crevice where the leg begins. I went to a local STI clinic, they performed a NAAT or culture test and the result was HSV positive. I'm sharing a bit of my story because I want you to know that you're not alone, that anogenital HSV is quite common among Men who have sex with Men (MSM) in addition to those who identify as Gay or Bi. To add to what Adrial wrote (Sup Dale!), I too recommend seeing a gastroenterologist considering you're susceptible to hemorrhoids (I also am). Per the CDC: genital HSV infection (either strand) can cause sores or breaks in the skin or lining of the rectum. This provides a way for HIV to enter the body. Even without visible sores, HSV increases the number of immune cells in the lining of the anogenital region. HIV targets immune cells for entry into the body. Having both HIV and anogenital HSV increases the chance of spreading HIV to a HIV-negative partner during oral and anal sex. If, as a Bi Cis Male person you are not on PrEP to keep you safe from acquiring HIV, I recommend you speak to your doctor about the treatment. For those of us who are MSM, PrEP has been a game-changer. Regarding the internal HSV outbreaks that you're experiencing, to echo what Adrial wrote, do use condoms and if your doctor recommends it, use daily suppressive therapy (Valtrex is superior to the other FDA-approved meds). I'm on both PrEP and Valtrex as treatment for prevention. Your booty will heal, my guy! And you will know when you're ready to get back to enjoying anal sex with your pal(s). Cheers! C

Hey Team. This may be a bit of a stretch (def speculative) but I think the pandemic has amped up our anxiety and stress, which is the number one OB trigger. I was diagnosed in spring of 2002. And I'd see maybe one OB a year, some times none for years (to the point that I'd forget I had herpes). This year though, the year of Covid has impacted me deeply, in ways that I think I'll be unpacking for a while after the pandemic recedes. I've experienced several OBs below the waist (typical area for me is lower back and upper buttocks, once in a blue moon, mid-buttocks, never genital, go figure). Also never without flu-like or cold-like symptoms, but definitely herpetic skin lesions. It was so baffling! My last boyfriend also has HSV and we were intimate without condoms (we've broken up, a pandemic casualty). But I was convinced that exposure to him somehow triggered my condition. I have read that this is not likely. I also happen to have antibodies for both type 1 and 2 (it has appeared in my STI screenings). Yet never see facial or above the waist OBs. My investigative reading just led me to think that the stress I've been under this past year, and I mean STRESS (won't go into details) has exacerbated the OBs. From what I have read in this thread, it sounds like you are also going through some high-stakes situations (a bacterial infection, chronic fatigue which could be something neurological unrelated to HSV, and bringing a child into the world). Ladies, you are doing some warrior-style power lifting in your lives at the moment. As is most everyone due to this horrific Covid experience. I would bet MONEY that the OBs will subside when the stress recedes. And our bodies return to baseline. In the meantime, let's take care of ourselves as best we could. A bit of context about me before I end this post - I live in NYC and have worked as a contact tracer/case investigator throughout the entire pandemic, currently working for NYC's department of education serving our schools. I never imagined I would have the honor to serve the city in this way, but somehow Life put me there in the midst of it all. It has been humbling to say the least. And a great source of pride (and yes, even joy). But I cannot remember the last time I had a GREAT night sleep. Thanks for your entries, ladies. Many blessings. And stay powerful. You rock.