Flowerteacher55

Hi, @Bettyrubble!! Welcome to the forum 🌻! Please know you aren't alone, and that we are all here to support you. If you have any questions or need support, don't be afraid to post. There are so many wonderful people on this forum!! If you would prefer private 1:1 support, feel free to direct message me anytime. Sending you happy healing thoughts and good vibes!! 🌄🌼🦋 -- Grace

Hi, @Starshine42!! I hope you are well 🌻. This is a great question, and the medical consensus is yes, GHSV-1 has lower transmission rates on being spread from genital-to-genital sex. Also GHSV-1 has generally less outbreaks and less severe outbreaks that GHSV-2. For me personally, I have only had two other outbreaks in addition to the first most severe one. I can send you some helpful, reliable articles, too! I hope this all helps 🙂🦋 Sending joy and peace your way! 🦋🌄🌻🍀 -- Grace

Hello, friend ❤️ I am so sorry you are feeling such pain. You don't deserve this at all. Please know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we are all here to help you get there. You are so so so good and worthy of love and love with HSV is POSSIBLE!!! 🌄🌄🌄 I honestly don't know about dating sites or anything for those with HSV, but I'm sure they exist!! Navigating dating with herpes seems so scary, but it will become easier with time. I got herpes when I was 19 (now I'm 22) and telling people about it has gotten SO much easier. And there have been people who were so so accepting. Others have been very not accepting, and I'm like "okay! Next human!" Please know that you don't need to share your status with anyone right away. Sometimes we assume we are not good enough, and anyone who accepts our HSV status is okay with us. This causes us to overlook negative qualities a person may have, which can be really detrimental to us later on (if the person is mean or just you guys aren't compatible). Remember, you're trying to see if THEY are good enough for you, because you are GOOD ENOUGH! You don't need to lower standards. Hold your head high. You have no reason to be ashamed of yourself. Think of dating like rings. We have an inner ring, which is where our soul dwells. The outer rings are used to protect the inner ring. People need to pass through them all successfully to get to the inner. The first layer ring is aquaintences, then friends, then closer than friends, then intimate close partners. The way people pass through the rings is to show trust, respect, understanding, and kindness. If someone start to move into the rings, feel free to disclose it. When you share is up to you, but prior to sex or sexual intimacy is key. Also, try to talk about it in a quiet space, when neither party is intoxicated or dealing with something else that may cause them to give an ingenuine reaction. Learning about someone, seeing if they are compatible emotionally matters, and bonding emotionally are really important steps in a relationship, and if someone doesn't pass through these rings, that's okay. It isn't anything you did or didn't do. Some things just aren't meant to be ❤️. And you deserve to have someone who unconditional loves and respects you, herpes and all. Herpes can act as a filter to weed out all the chumps. It may seem like rejection, but it's actually a blessing in disguise. 🌄🌻🦋 We are here for you!! DM me if you need some additional 1:1 support. Sending happiness and light your way!!! 🌼🌄🌻🦋 -- Grace

@Snowman22 Good luck with your disclosure!!! Just breathe and stay confident. Hold your head high, as you have no reason to be ashamed. Honesty is respectful and kind, and she will most likely be so so appreciative of that!! 🌻 Plus, the courage it takes to talk about HSV is immense. Kudos to you and all the other humans who disclose! Hooray!! 🐱 Sending happiness your way!! 🌻🦋🌄 -- Grace

Hi, @WellThisSucks! I hope your are well. 🌄 I am so sorry about the emotional pain you have experienced as a result of the HSV status. Although it stings and feels like rejection, it is a blessing in disguise. Herpes isnt a weapon, but actually a tool that we can use to check the true nature of those we are with romantically. Similarly to you, my herpes was a factor that ended my relationship. However, if I didn't get herpes, I honestly think I would be worse off. The person who gave me herpes was abusive. The straw that broke the camel's back was his cruel denial and shaming he threw at me when I had my first outbreak. It was in that moment I realized this person didn't unconditionally love me or accept me the ways I did him, and so I decided to end things. the guy you were dating didn't show respect or anything understanding, and those are elements that you deserve! ❤️ However, just because our brains recognize this, our hearts still feel the pain of an ended romance, and that is totally okay. It isn't your fault. You aren't bad or dirty or unlovable. You are a pure wonderful human being with so so much ahead of you. My own mom has been divorced twice, and honestly I am so grateful for it, because these people weren't kind, and now she can spend time focusing on potential soul mates and friendships. Please know dating and love are possible at ANY AGE. ❤️ I am sending you blessings and happy energy! 🌄🌻💛🌼 -- Grace

Hi! I am so sorry for your suffering. As you mentioned God, here is a reminder: Please know that even in the darkest and most turbulent times, when life feels like a thunderstorm, there is a shelter from the rain. God's unconditional love for us carries us when we are weak and shelters us from the pain around us, all while providing us a way to see clearly through the storm. God makes all beings beautiful, including you. You are not unstable or losing your mind. You are a human being under extreme physical and emotional stress, and not knowing the cause of the pain is even more stressful. This is not your fault! The tingling sounds like nerve damage, which can be very extreme for some people with HSV. If you have ever had chicken pox, varicella zoster, or shingles, the likelihood of having postherpetic neuralgia increases and/or lumbosacral plexopathy. Your doctor can refer you to a neurologist, too, if needed. It'll be okay. 💛 We are all here for you!! Blessings, Grace

@Neverwouldathought Hi!! I am so sorry you are struggling. You are not alone. Although I am a 22 year old female, please know I am here if you need some support or just someone to talk to. Feel free to direct message me anytime! 😊 Blessings, Grace

Hi, @valleydecember217! I hope you are well! I am SO happy to hear the sores are healing! That is wonderful! 🙂 There are two main herpes medication paths: suppressive and responsive (It's not actually called this but it is helpful to call it this!) So, it seems your doctor sent you some extra medicine so you have it on hand for when prodrome symptoms start or when/if you get another outbreak, so you can start the medicine right away instead of having to wait to get the prescription filled. This is responsive, since you are taking it only when you have an outbreak/symptoms. If you don't know your prodrome symptoms, that is okay. Some common ones are tingling, numbness, itchiness, feeling feverish/cold symptoms, among others. If you have sores, take the medication. It's okay to not take the medication until you start seeing sores, especially if you want to see what your prodrome symptoms are. It doesn't seem like your doctor gave you suppressive medication, which would be medication taken daily to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks. This is usually given to those who have outbreaks very regularly, such as monthly on/around their period, or are with a long term partner and they do not want to use contraception/condoms. Some women who are pregnant are given antivirals during the final few weeks of the pregnancy to reduce the likelihood of having to have a C-section, but it all depends. Read more here: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-and-pregnancy/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158607/ So, in summary, it seems you don't need to take it unless you have another outbreak. If you are unsure, call your doctor and ask. Googling herpes questions can be SO scary, overwhelming, and of course, misleading, as so much of the information out there isn't reliable. Try to not go down that sassy google rabbit hole, and instead check out the CDC, WHO, Planned Parenthood, and other medically-correct sites 🙂❤️ !! If anything, we usually start googling questions because we feel lost, lonely, and hopeless. Instead of googling for reassurance, get some reassurance from a doctor, a loved one, or by engaging in self-care to help calm your anxiety and worry. For diet and nutrition: Because you are growing another human inside you (so cool!) it would not be a great time to start experimenting with holistic options and diet changes because it can lead to a lack of prenatal vitamins needed for the proper development and growth of the fetus. In terms of diet and outbreaks, there is a correlation between a diet high is lysine and arginine and the likelihood of and the severity of outbreaks. Lysine typically helps, while arginine hinders. Remember, anything to an extreme is not healthy, and making sure you have a diverse plate to support the baby and you is SO important. Here is a wonderfully short article about all that, and how diet is a factor, but it is not a be-all-cure-all!: https://www.herpes.org.nz/about-herpes-questions/diet-herpes I hope this helps!! ❤️ We are all here for you!! 🙂 Blessings, Grace

Hi! @valleydecember217 I hope you are well. Please know you are not less of a person for having HSV. If anything, you are such a warrior! You've overcome your first outbreak, are a mother-to-be, and have told your mom and sister (such courage!). You can do so so much more than you think. As Bob Marley said, "You never know how strong you are 'till being strong is the only choice you have." And you are SO strong! ❤️ When you tell the father, you can tell him over the phone or somewhere where you feel safe. It is up to you. You can use a disclaimer, too: "I am going to share something with you because this is our child. But please, just listen without judgment." Have and 'exit plan' in place if it gets too much to handle, you can say you have an appointment and need to make the convo short, for example. In regards to HSV and pregnancy, it is awesome you talked to your OBGYN. HSV-2 typically has more outbreaks than HSV-1 when presenting in the genital area, and honestly it all depends on so much. Everyone has their own unique outbreak pattern, so you may have to wait and see what yours is. It will be okay! You are not a bad person for having HSV and being pregnant. You weren't trying to intentionally contract HSV, of course! Also, you have taken the best steps to ensure the best for your baby-- talking to the OBGYN, making birth plans, and surrounding yourself with loved ones around you who support you. ❤️ This resource right here is AWESOME and talks about average outbreak occurrences and more! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525769/ If you enjoy researching (such as I, who literally works in an archive unit at my college) check this out: https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm and scroll to the heading "What are the symptoms of genital herpes?" and then read the second paragraph. You can then click on the little superscript citation to see the articles that those facts came from (and the statistics that back up each claim will be there!). In regards to the sassy chumps (my fav term for peeps) who would ever even think of sharing your personal information with others, or call you derogatory names simply because you have a virus that most people already have... their opinions, thoughts, feelings, judgments, etc, are irrelevant. Opinions and judgments aren't factual or true. What is true is that YOU are a blessing. The way people treat you is a reflection of THEM, not you ❤️ Respect is such a key foundation of love, and those who are disrespectful and critical are not those who deserve to have your love. You are a powerful young woman! Something my single mom has always told me is to find someone who lifts you up, encourages you and empowers you, and of course respects you. Be kind to yourself, empowering yourself as if you were empowering another women in the same situation. You mentioned God, so I wanted to bring this up, too. God created you, and gave you this life, this gift, with some mountains to climb. And climb over them you shall ❤️ Lean on others for support, and hold your head high like the child of God that you are ❤️. You can do this! We are here for you ❤️ Sending blessings and prayers your way! 🙂❤️

Hi, @Gypsy86!! In terms of vaginal discharge, things can be so so complex! The microbiome of the vagina is very sensitive, and a change in really anything can affect it, including herpes. it is common for vaginal discharge to be different during the first outbreak (watery and runny or thick and milky), especially if you had sores inside the vaginal cavity. However, this discharge is usually experienced while the sores are present. Your sores have healed, but since you just finished the outbreak, this could be very normal. Regardless, I'd contact your doctor, ONGYN, or call a clinic like Planned Parenthood If you have other symptoms associated with this discharge (pain, smell, burning when urinating, new rash, fishy odor, etc) it could be another infection, such as a yeast infection. With these symptoms, abstaining from sex would be a good idea since it can cause an increase in irritation and bacterial growth, if you have an infection. Also, it could spread to your partner. Again, a simple call to the nurse on call at a doctor's office can really make all the difference! 🌼 I hope this helps!! Sending happiness and health your way!! 🌄💛🌱🦋🌻

Hi!! 🙂 An update: I just learned that Post-herpetic neuralgia is linked specifically to shingles/herpes zoster (different than HSV), which can actually manifest/appear in the genital area later in life. If you've ever had shingles/herpes zoster (different than HSV) this could be a factor in the tingling! Sorry if the above previous post was confusing or misleading. I am unsure if HSV can cause the same herpetic neuralgia as shingles does, so I would verify with a doctor! Hope you are well! 🙂❤️

An update: I just learned that Post-herpetic neuralgia is linked specifically to shingles/herpes zoster (not HSV), which can actually manifest/appear in the genital area later in life. If you've ever had shingles/herpes zoster (different than HSV) this could be a factor in the tingling! I'm so sorry if the above was confusing or misleading. I am unsure is HSV can also cause neuralgia, but maybe a doctor knows more about HSV and neuralgia!! Blessings! 🙂

Hi!! An update: I just learned that Post-herpetic neuralgia is linked to shingles, which can actually manifest/appear in the genital area later in life. If you've ever had shingles/herpes zoster (different than HSV) this could be a factor in the tingling! Sending happy vibes your way! 🙂

Hi, @vexa2009!! I hope you are doing well. I have been looking up some resources for teenagers, and sadly there aren't many quality and kid-friendly resources on HSV prevention and safety. Therefore, I am going to make my own helpful infographic! I will send it to you when I am done making it. In the meantime, I wanted to send you some helpful links about teen health: Statistics on teen HSV infections: https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/adolescents.htm (scroll to middle of article to see stats on HSV) Pamphlet on STIs for Teens: https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/YouthandSTDs-Dec-2017.pdf Infographic from CDC & Info: https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/lowdown/lowdown-text-only.htm I hope this is helpful! I'll make that infographic ASAP, and then you can give me feedback on what you think would be helpful! Blessings!! 🙂

"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a journey to be experienced." -- Winnie the Pooh 🧸🐻🍯🐝💜

Hi!! If you both have it, you can take the medication if you'd like, but it honestly doesn't matter. You both have antibodies (yay!) which help protect you from contracting the HSV in your mouth. If either of you experience consistent outbreaks that cause pain or really bother you, then taking supressive medication can really help. But, taking the medication to prevent the spread to either of you wouldn't really be necessary. This all being said, you can hypothetically still contract HSV-2 orally, but it is VERY unlikely. You both have antibodies. In terms of painful outbreaks, the first one is usually the most intense and painful, so it is very likely your next outbreak (if you have one) will be less painful, have less sores, and be less scary. However, you can wait and see what you next few outbreaks are like. Supressive medication can really really help, as it reduces outbreaks by genital herpes outbreaks by 70-80%, according to the CDC. There are possible side effects from taking any of the antiviral medications, so if you are worried about them ask your doctor. Typical Valtrex side effects include dizziness, nausea, tiredness, depression, and more. Also, if you have any underlying health conditions or take medicine for other things you would want to talk to your doctor about that. Apparently NSAIDS can interact with Acyclovir and other antivirals, too, so be aware that taking a daily suppressent will impact other things, too. Wow. Pharmacology is so bizarre yet interesting!!! Sorry to spew all these random facts! Regardless, just know we are here for you ❤️. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask!!! Sending happiness your way!!! 🌄🌼🦋❤️

Hi!!! First, I am so sorry you are experiencing this pain and stress. You don't deserve this at all! We are all here for you ❤️. Please know you are still an amazing person with herpes. ❤️ I also have GHSV-1, but typically GHSV-1 does not cause as many outbreaks such as the one you are describing. First, I am not a doctor! But what you are talking about sounds familiar from other herpes stories I have heard. The worsening issues and tingling of the legs sounds like postherpetic neuralgia, which is damage to the nerve endings at the base of the spine where herpes 'lives'. However, postherpetic neuralgia is linked with shingles (herpes zoster) -- have you ever had shingles before? However, the lasting of the sores with medication sounds like resistance. Sometimes people with herpes can develop a resistance to the antiviral drugs, which sounds like what you are describing. 500 mg and still having small sores after two months with GHSV-1 is definitely a sign that there's more for your doctor to look into. Remember, YOU are the patient and your opinion is valid. Sometimes doctors are skeptical about ideas from a patient, but you know you best! Ask about herpes resistance or other possibilities not yet thought of and see what happens. Also, if you want other input from a different doctor, you can get a referral for a demonologist, virologist, or other specialist from your primary care physician (PCP) if need be. Check out this helpful CDC fact and treatment guide, which explains about resistance to antivirals. You have to scroll down a little bit on the page. https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/herpes.htm I hope this helps!! I am so sorry for your struggles. I am so happy that your fiancé is there for you and is supportive!! You deserve that ❤️. please reach out for any more support or advice!! Sending blessings and happy vibes your way!! ❤️🦋🌼🌄

Hi @Gypsy86! I am so sorry that you are stressed, and for getting HSV and COVID in the same week! When I had my first outbreak I had a sinus infection and my period at the same time and it was not fun! I hope you are feeling better ❤️ In regards to your HSV-2: it sounds like it is most likely from your current boyfriend because the timeline adds up. Did he get a blood test and is he aware of your outbreak? Antiviral medication works wonders. It can speed up the healing process for current sores and prevents the virus from shedding to produce more sores. The typical healing process, as you described, is the presentation of the sores, then the sores having a whitish or shiny head that oozes, then these crust over, eventually forming a scab that falls off, leaving new skin. Although the sore you mentioned didn't scab, it seems like the sore has healed because there is the presentation of new skin. genital HSV-2 can reoccur any time, and because this is your first outbreak you haven't had time to be familiar with any prodrome symptoms (the symptoms that occur to let you know you are about to have an outbreak). However, just monitor how you feel in general down there. Take notice of any tingling, itching, burning, etc. Suppressive medication is helpful for those who experience regular outbreaks or those who are in a long-term relationship where their partner and them don't want/need to wear an internal or external condom. Just as with any medication, it is hypothetically possible to still transmit the HSV-2 to your partner while on suppressive medication, but it is highly unlikely. If your partner already has HSV-2 (he should get an IgG blood test to see) you wouldn't need to be on high alert about transmitting it to him, since he already has it! While it is very unlikely to get oral HSV-2 if you already have genital HSV-2, it is still hypothetically possible (but unlikely as your body already has the antibodies for it). However, please know that suppressive medication isn't just about sex, as suppressive medication can help YOU feel better in general, especially if the outbreaks occur regularly or affect your quality of life or daily functioning. If you want to see what your outbreaks are going to be like for the future, maybe wait until the next few outbreaks and track how far apart they occur, potential triggers, prodrome symptoms, etc. If you want to find out more about suppressive medication, talk to your doctor. If prescription cost is a worry for the suppressive medication or the antiviral medication in general, you can get a larger-volume prescription amount and still pay the same co-pay! I hope this helps! Sending happiness and positive energy your way! ❤️ 🙂

Hi!! Ugh, I am so sorry to hear about that. Sadly, a lot of doctors are influenced by insurance companies who lobby doctors NOT to request bloodwork. This is because the insurance company doesn't want to have to pay for the bloodwork. What is the worst is that this ends up hurting the PATIENT, and the patient is the most important player here!!! If you want to talk about herpes you can always go to a women's clinic or a place like Planned Parenthood. The information and consultation with a nurse is most likely free or very reduced cost. The cold/flu feeling prior to the outbreak is super normal. This could be a prodrome symptom for future outbreaks so it's good you took note of that! I hope this helps, and I hope you are feeling better!! ❤️ Sending blessings your way!! 😍🌻🌄🦋🌼

Hi, @valleydecember217 First, I am so sorry for the worry and pain you are feeling. Please know this is not your fault, you don't deserve this, and is isn't the world punishing you with karmic debt. You are not dirty or bad or less worthy of love. You are pure, good, and so deserving of love and happiness, and so is your daughter. Congratulations on being a mom! ❤️ Second, herpes is a viral condition that doesn't act as an indicator of whether you'll be a good mom, and it isn't an immediate relationship-ruiner. You can still be an amazing mom, have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery, and have a healthy sex life, with herpes. Do you have HSV-1 or HSV-2, and how was it diagnosed (swab culture, blood test, etc) and did the person who gave you HSV also recieve a test? Are you being supported by people during this important time in your life? Because you deserve support and unconditional love and acceptance. I am a 22 year old female, and as a fellow young woman it is so important to have those around us who lift us up and love us for us, through turbulent or calm waters. Always know your worth ❤️. I recommend seeing your OBGYN and discussing your HSV status as soon as you can, because it can affect the birthing situation. If you are having an outbreak during your week of delivery/expected due date, your doctor may recommend preforming a cesarian birth to prevent the herpes from spreading to the baby. In rare cases neonatal herpes can occur, but this can be prevented with care and guidance from your doctors/OBGYN. For additional support, especially confidential and judgement-free support and care, clinics like Planned Parenthood are amazing. You can recieve discounted prenatal care, HSV help, and more, and the nurses and doctors are very helpful with questions you may have about your HSV and pregnancy. It may feel like your life is over, but it has just begun. Although herpes feels like a curse, it is a blessing in disguise. As the site's founder, Adrial, explained to me: Herpes acts as a magnet; when you tell people you have it, they show you who they really are. They are either going to be kind, respectful, and accepting, or judgmental. While it may hurt to have someone be judgemental, it is actually such a relief to know early on who that person really is. You deserve to be unconditionally accepted, just as you would want for your own daughter ❤️. Herpes repels those who are not your type of person, and will attract those with similar energy, empathy, kindness, and compassion. However, it can take a while to feel this way. It is normal to feel angry or sad or confused. All emotions are valid, it is just what we choose to do with them that is the key part. With self-love, acceptance, and learning more about what herpes is and what it is not, you can grow towards acceptance and make herpes an opportunity for an amazing life for you, and your baby and future relationships ❤️! You are not alone. We are all here for you!! If you need any additional support, please feel free to direct message me. Sending you prayers and blessings!! 🌻🦋🌱🌼🌄❤️

Hello, @valleydecember217! I am so sorry you are experiencing pain. The first outbreak is typically the worst and most painful, as your body has to make antibodies and get used to the viruses. So on the positive, the next outbreaks should be less intense than this first one! in regards to the scabbing you are describing, you are totally on point when you say it's expected. There is a cycle of herpes sores: first the appearance of a sore which may be accompanied with itching, redness, "angry" looking skin, then the sores start to form a head with a white or opaque middle. Eventually these heads pop, and ooze. These sores will crust over and scab, and eventually this scab will fall off, leaving new skin, which may be lighter than the skin around it. The time it takes for the sores to go through this cycle depends; if you have been prescribed antivirals, this can help speed up the cyclical healing rate and reduce viral shedding (which causes new sores to appear). However, you can heal without the antivirals, it just may take longer and involve more sores due to the viral shedding. Because urine is so acidic, is can cause such intense burning of sores, especially if the sores are near the urethral opening. Holding a stress ball while you go to the bathroom can honestly help a lot, and using the bathroom before showering can help too, since you'll be rinsing off any of the urine residue. Lysine cream can help SO much, as it coats the sores and soothes them. You can buy it at most drug stores. Ice packs and loose clothing can also help. Because this is your first outbreak, get to know your body's reactions to the virus. Notice the symptoms you have and had before the outbreak, and take note of these, as they may be indicators (called prodrome symptoms) to watch out for before future outbreaks, or your body's warning sign that an outbreak will be occuring soon and that the virus is shedding. During these warning periods, abstain from sex or intimate contact, and get your supplies ready (lysine cream, antivirals if needed, etc). Honestly, if you need to call out from work, do it. I can totally relate to that feeling. I had to sit in my college classes during my first outbreak and I was constantly shifting in my chair and wincing the whole time, and waddling between classes and at work during my catering job was not good for my sores or my self-esteem 😂. Looking back, I can laugh, but in the moment it was really not a happy time. Please know you are clean, pure, worthy of love and respect, and are a blessing, even though you may be feeling down or ashamed. Herpes is a virus, and a common one at that. It doesn't define you! if you need any support or have any questions, feel free to ask them! We are an open and kid community here for you during this time and always, however you need 🌄. Sending happiness and wellness your way!! 🌄🌼🌱🦋🌻

Hello!! Okay! So, something interesting is that sunlight and UV light can actually trigger outbreaks, which may be a reason why your OBs are worse in the summer than in other seasons. Although the genitals do no see sunlight, the buttocks, thighs, and bikini line can get sun and if those are points of infection, it can have an impact. The bathing suit chafing also could be a trigger. In terms of dating, you don't necessarily need to be on supressive medication to have a happy and healthy sex life, unless you feel more comfortable with that. Perhaps you should talk to your OBGYN and doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing, and explain how the OBs coincide with the start date of taking the daily supressive medicine. They may ask you to stop taking it to see if the OBs subside, or may place you on another antiviral. Regardless, you deserve to feel happy and well, and you shouldn't suffer with the outbreaks and confusing symptoms. Hopefully a doctor can provide some clarity!! I hope this helps!! sending light and joy your way! 🦋🌻🌄

Hi @Needingsupport1!! I hope you are well! First, hooray! It is so exciting to start dating again. It may seem scary and overwhelming, but you can do it, and we are all here to help and support you however you need. Second, let's talk herpes! To better help you, I have a few questions: What type of HSV do you have? What medicine were you prescribed, and how long have you been taking it? Have the adverse reactions/OBs been occurring since you started taking it? Some people can experience a lack of viral response to antivirals, but it seems your outbreaks have worsened since the start of taking the medicine. Have you done anything else different recently? Any changes in stress, sex, exercise, diet, etc can influence outbreaks. I hope this helps! Sending blessings and joy your way! 🌻☀️

Hi, @Onlyhuman! First, I am so so so sorry for the pain, suffering, and stress you have been experiencing. You do not deserve this at all. Please know you are not alone. You are still worthy of love and a happy, healthy relationship. I have genital HSV-1 also, and it is totally possible to get HSV-1 from oral sex (how I got it). You can also get herpes in two places, especially if you had oral sex and genital sex during the time you are exposed. I have some questions: When was the first outbreak that made you think you had herpes? Did you have any symptoms with this first outbreak? When did you have the blood work done, and what type of test was it (IgG or IgM?) When did you have relations with the other person? Before or after the first outbreak? It sounds like you may have extreme neurological sensitivity to the virus. Or, you could have multiple medical complications overlapping. The tingling and buttocks and leg pain match with HSV. However, the odor change and the constipation, as well as the horrible severity of the nerve pains make me think it could be something else in addition to herpes. Post-Herpetic Neuralgia or Pudendal Nerve Neuralgia sounds similar to what you are talking about. Actually, studies have shown genital herpes causing lasting nerve damage. According to The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders: "There are two types of HSV. In the past, HSV-1 was associated with cold sores of the mouth, lips, or eyes and HSV-2 was associated with genital lesions; however HSV-1 is becoming a more common cause of genital herpes, especially in young women. The first outbreak may be associated with flu-like symptoms and may last between 2 to 4 weeks. Recurrences of genital herpes are often signaled by burning, itching, or tingling before sores appear. Recurrent outbreaks are typically less painful and heal more quickly. Post-herpetic neuralgia is painful condition that affects up to 10% of patients who have had herpes zoster (also known as Shingles), which can occur on the vulva. Post-herpetic neuralgia describes continued pain after the rash goes away. It is causes by damage to the nerves from the herpes virus. Post-herpetic neuralgia may be an under-recognized cause of chronic vulvar pain, especially in older women. here's the link to the site! http://vulvodynia.com/conditions/herpes-and-post-herpetic-neuralgia It will be okay. God loves you. Your partner already forgave you for the relations you had. They were done out of sadness and pain, not out of love. You love your partner. He will surely understand, and if anything this will make his nurturing and love for you stronger. Being vulnerable is so hard, especially when we are afraid someone will leave us or be disappointed. However, you didn't ask for this at all. Your honesty is important. Love means unconditional acceptance and kindness to another, and in this time of stress and need, you need that shoulder to cry on. And I am sure he wants to be there for you. I am so sorry for your pain! I am praying for you. If you need any support, feel free to direct message me. You are not alone! Sending love and prayers your way! 🌻

Hi!! I hope you are well. I have never had this happen to me, as my swab test came back positive. Swab tests can come back as false negatives, especially if the sample was not taken correctly or if there was too much time between the sample being taken and then tested. IgG tests are more accurate than IgM tests, because IgG antibodies stay with you for life. I have heard others on this forum talk about tests that have come up negative despite having sores at one point! Hopefully they will add their thoughts and comments, too! Also, are you sure it was herpes? Did your symptoms align with herpes, did you take antiviral medication and if so, did it help? Blessings!🌻