Flowerteacher55

Oh also!!! Since there wasn't penis to vagina contact, it seems unlikely that you could have given it to him, especially if he washed his hands after or showered afterwards. Engaging in oral sex would be more likely, but honestly because you haven't had an outbreak is so long I do not think there is much to worry about. ❤️ I hope this also helps!! Blessings ☀️🌄🌼

Hello!! First, I hope you are doing okay. Second, those are great questions! I'm happy you asked them. I wanted to ask what type of HSV you have, as the risk of passing genital HSV-1 is lower than passing genital HSV-2. Regardless, the answers are basically the same for whichever type you may have. Despite not having an outbreak for so long, you can pass it to someone especially during an outbreak or if the virus is shedding. However, it seems unlikely you passed it to him based off your history. If you wanted to and it would help clear your mind, you could tell him if you have his contact information, and you can explain why you didn't think to tell him before. Honesty is wonderful. And you never know if he has underlying conditions. However, many people have HSV, especially HSV-1. Passing HSV-1 genital to genital is rare, so that's why I asked which type of HSV you have. This has been such a lonely time for us all, due to the pandemic. Even more so that you did not have your husband with you. Even though you didn't tell the man about the HSV, please know that all is forgiven in terms of making mistakes. Making a mistake doesn't mean you need to cancel out dating for the future. Forgive yourself and allow yourself to feel love and explore it's wonders. You are a human being worthy of love, and that is a fact that knows no age ❤️. I'm sorry for the passing of your husband. I'm sure he loved you very much. I hope this response helped you! Sending You Blessings and Kindness 🌄☀️❤️🌼!!

Aww, hooray!!! I am so happy to hear that we are supporting you. Adrial, the founder of this site, definitely will see our note of appreciation ❤️. You can tag him @mr_hopp, too!! I can tell by reading this that your spirits have definitely lifted ❤️🌈☀️ yay! The sun always shines again. Yes, you cannot give yourself herpes because your body's immune system is already programmed to recognize the virus and attack it. Hypothetically if you really really tried, I'm sure with enough touching of a sore and it's good inside and intentionally then touching a place to see if you would get it, sure, it could happen. But again, 1) this scenario is literally absurd because you wouldn't want to give it to yourself elsewhere 😂 and 2) it's really really unlikely you would give it to yourself! So rest assured ❤️. Now, as someone with OCD, I was so scared of giving others herpes by just touching then. But again, this is not how herpes spreads. Only direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area would cause it to spread to another (during viral shedding and/or an active outbreak). So, having sex or being intimate with someone and not having an outbreak or prodrome symptoms means the chance of you giving it to the person are very very low. Hypothetically, you can share HSV any time because we don't always have symptoms of shedding, but the chances are low when you practice safe sex (abstaining from sex with prodrome and outbreaks, and using condoms really helps, too!!) I hope this helps!! ❤️❤️ Blessings!!! ❤️🌈🌼☀️🌄😇

Hi!! @Chiron I hope you are well and things have been happier and healthier in your life since you last posted. After doing research, I found some information you may find really helpful. There are only vaccines for the following STIs: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV. There are no vaccines for the bacterial STIs, since they are bacterial (not viral). I really do not think that this relationship you described is balanced; it seems you are more open and willing than she is, especially considering she told you about her HSV AFTER you had sex. That is not okay. Perhaps she was afraid you would leave, but she didn't even give you the choice to decide for yourself, and that action speaks louder than words. When people show you who they are, listen. I am sorry if things didn't work out, and I am sorry that she is emotionally struggling. If you are still together, I recommend that she goes to an OBGYN for appropriate testing for her own safety and health, as undiagnosed and untreated infections and viruses can cause lasting damage to the reproductive organs and surrounding tissues. If she needs reassurance, provide it. However, you are in charge of taking responsibility for YOUR own health-- and part of being in a relationship means caring about the health of the other partner, too (she should care about your health and wellness, and you should care about hers, which it ses like our really do ❤️). I am sending blessings and prayers your way! 🌄☀️

@Lydia Woah woah woah!!! He said WHAT???? Okay first off, you did NOT deserve a harsh, defensive response at all. You are not only in physical pain, but emotional pain, too. I am sorry that happened. Second, NO. He is not a medical professional and cannot make statements that it can show up anywhere on your body. HSV does NOT work like that, it shows up in the general vicinity of where the breakout is if it comes back in another outbreak. You also cannot give it to yourself elsewhere, either. I am so sorry he made you feel like a leper. His information is incorrect. You are not a danger. You are safe and pure. You are not a cheater, and it was wrong of him to accuse you of this. It seems he is being very defensive for his own sake, instead of being open and kind for your sake. I am sincerely sorry. You deserve someone WAY better than that! There are many things that can cause a breakout to happen, including stress, complications with medication, and other factors. It also could have been dormant in him and appeared now, and now you have it. What is so funny is the virus also could have been dormant in HIM for 20 years... so honestly, just take what he says with a grain of salt. Unless you literally read his blood reports and have legit verification, take it with a grain of salt. Your health and happiness matter more than this blame game, and someone truly worthy of your kindness and love and intimacy would realize this. If he has questions, refer him to his primary physician. You are still trying to figure this out yourself, and you did your duty by telling him about it and being honest. If he is badgering you with questions, making accusations, and making up information or relaying incorrect information to you, please take a step back from this relationship and focus on you. He can do reliable independent research and talk to his doctor instead of causing unneeded emotional drama. You do not deserve that at all! This is NOT your fault! We are all here for you! You can do this. Stay strong and be your own best friend. What advice would you tell your friend if they were in this situation? Focus on your health and ditch the people trying to bring us down! You are powerful, pure, strong, and deserve happiness!! Don't let anyone take that away from you or make you feel any different. 🌻 Sending love and light! 🌻🌄

@Honeybee123 Hi!! I just read all this, and it doesn't sound like HSV at all. However, it does sound a lot like thrush, which can be caused from a combination of different things, such as sex, friction (running, like you said) different soap products, medications, etc. Check it out here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/thrush and here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/ I will pray for you and I hope you are doing better since you posted this!! You deserve to feel happy and healthy! 🥰 Blessings!

Hello! I totally understand your concerns. Sharing something so personal places us at a really vulnerable state, and of course this opens us up to rejection. However, remember that a genuinely kind human will love and respect you unconditionally, regardless of HSV status. Also, even if someone cannot be with you, perhaps because of a condition they already have (immunocompromising conditions) they still can respect you for being so honest. Honesty matters, and frankly, honesty is sexy! So, disclosing is a great thing to do. It can feel like one of those you want to get out there so you can stop thinking about it, but the timing and everything really all depends. For example, I had been talking to someone who was in the military and would be making a large trip to see me, so although I would have preferred to tell him in person, I told him about my herpes via text. Others, I have told in person. Often times I find talking about it in person provides me with the ability to gauge the person's reaction, which is very important. In their reaction you can see many things... Did they respond with kindness? Does it seem they were only interested in physical intimacy? Did they ask show an interest and ask questions? Did they LISTEN, not just hear? Something that has helped me is create a sort of template for disclosing. 1. Make sure it's a good time. Before you talk about it, make sure the person isn't already upset about something or are at work or a place they may not feel comfortable having the discussion. These all could cause them to have a negative reaction that may lead to miscommunications. 2. I start out with a setting the stage opener: "Because I see this relationship moving somewhere, I want to be honest and share something with you. Is now a good time?" Make sure they say yes. If they say no, ask them when a good time will be and plan for then. 3. State your diagnosis. 4. Medical Facts. Here,talking about the biology of the virus. Remember, herpes is a virus, something that many people have, and live healthy sex lives with. You can explain how you got it, how it impacts your life, etc. However, the details you share about how you got it are up to you. 5. Explain how you can give it to them even without an outbreak (viral shedding) and the risks and possible transmission ways. 6. Offer follow up research that debunks stigmas: provide them with reliable websites that do not permeate stigmas. The CDC, WHO, and Planned Parenthood are reliable websites. 7. Thank them for listening, and Ask them if they have any questions. Answer what you can. If you don't know an answer, redirect them to a research source above, or encourage them to talk to their doctor. Also, some of the questions they ask may seem rude or just blunt, but for someone who may not know anything about herpes, they may not realize their question is insensitive or assumptive. Remain calm and teacher-like. Breathe and keep on keeping on! 8. Explain to them that they can take time to think. Even setting a date to reconnect on the issue can be helpful to avoid feeling like you are in a state of unknown worry. Saying "I know you may need time to think about this. Would you want to talk about it again in a few days or a week?" 9. Remain open with communication. Communication is key! Also, do not apologize for your HSV. you have nothing to be ashamed of or sorry for. If this person makes you feel this way, they are not for you at all. You deserve kindness and love and respect!! ❤️ I hope this helps!! Sending blessings and light your way! ☀️🌼🌄🌈

Hi!! @vexa2009 Okay, awesome. I will do some research and get back to you! Yes, I agree on your points. It is also so important to ask to see the STI testing sheet that people get from getting tested (I call it their 'report card') before engaging in physical intimacy with others, although it doesn't have HSV on the screening. You sound like a wonderful mom! Your kids are lucky to have a mom who cares this much!! I'll let you know what I find! Blessings!! ☀️🌄

@vexa2009 Hi!! Yes!! 110%!! I actually am going to be a teacher for at-risk teens, and something I want to address with students is STIs-- not just the importance of being safe, but also to break stigmas around them, and encourage students to reach out for help if they need it, and provide them with resources. It's odd, because we talk about intercourse and sex usually in sex education at the 8th grade level (at least in most public schools in the Northeast USA), but every state actually has its own independent sexual Education legislation which may prevent discussion of STIs and such during sexual education. This really can harm students, since they aren't taught about how their own bodies work and how to stay safe. Check out what your state laws are and your children's school's ciriculum (available on every school district website) and check, and supplement what they are not being taught. Honestly, even hanging your kids an age-appropriate book for them to do independent reading can be helpful, since they won't be embarrassed by a parent talking to them about an awkward subject (I will do research on good books and share them with you!) This website called kidshealth.org is helpful and offers helpful educational info. However, I recommend waiting until the right age, of course. Too early and it won't make sense, since kids don't think abstractly until age 14, and discussion of sex Ed isn't the most appropriate for kids younger than 8th or 9th grade anyways. I'm also age 22 and have no children, so obviously moms know best! Use your mama bear judgment and wisdom 🌼 you know your kids best!! Sending blessings and joy your way!! 🌄☀️🌼🦋

Hi!! First, I am so sorry about the pain our are experiencing. You don't deserve this at all! Second, you are not alone ❤️. I have genital HSV-1, and it can be very painful, especially when sitting or walking or wearing clothing, etc. Lysine cream really helped me during these times! It's natural and helps with the itching and burning when the sores start to burst. Going to the bathroom can hurt really bad because of acidity from urine. Be prepared for that, having a stress ball or something to squeeze can be helpful, or if you have a bidet it can help soothe the sores (I don't have a bidet but I wish I did, lol)! Ideally, a doctor should swab the sores to see if the sores are indeed the HSV-1. You can go to your PCP or a place such as Planned Parenthood. Talking to your OBGYN is another great option, too! Also, if the sores have a little dimple in the center, or did previously, it is most likely HSV. Herpes sores are unique in that they start out with a little dimple, which then kind of becomes filled with a fluid that then oozes out. So many people have HSV-1 and do not know it, and perhaps the medication you take caused the virus to 'wake up' and cause an outbreak. Regardless, please know you are not dirty or bad or ugly at all. The human body is something we should love unconditionally ❤️, and biology is SO complex! But in the end, the body deserves our love. 🦋 I am so happy your husband is being supportive!! Hooray for that!! ☀️ Sending blessings and prayers your way!! 🌄🌼🦋☀️

Hi Again!! I completely understand. I have OCD so I was SO fixated on giving it to someone, even from sharing food or a bathroom or through simple touch. However, herpes is spread through direct skin to skin contact with the infected area. You also can't give it to yourself, so don't worry about that, either! Just using soap and water and washing your hands after you touch a sore is enough ❤️ it will be ok!! If anything, herpes helps us seek out the kind people in the world; those who are respectful and unconditionally accepting; those who can see through all the stigma and really see us for US, not our HSV. I'm sorry that you feel like you won't find love. I promise you will! Every pot has its lid ❤️. My own mom is divorced and my step dad and her split up, and she fears she will be alone forever. But, there are so many good people out there. People who care about the BIG stuff-- love, kindness, compassion, being together, etc. Surrounded yourself with those who bring you UP, not bring you down, especially during a very emotionally-draining time like handling the diagnosis and outbreak. 🦋 We are all here for you! Love will arrive so soon. ❤️ Sending blessings and prayers your way!! 🌼🦋☀️🌄

Hey, Friends! I hope you are all well 🌻 Many colleges that where closed due to COVID are opening back up in the Fall. I was thinking about starting a type of Herpes/STI Anonymous Group for students at my university. I used to work as a peer educator for my university, and I would teach about drinking, drugs, sex education, mental health support, etc, and I actually worked as a peer educator when I got herpes! (oh, the irony!). There are alcohol anonymous, drug anonymous, and eating disorder anonymous groups on campus, but none for those who are struggling with STIs, which are very common for people aged 18-25. The student health center on campus actually told me they get a handful of herpes diagnoses per week during the school year, which means that there are definitely so many people at my university (and many other colleges/universities) who have HSV and may be struggling to cope with it! Does anyone have any recommendations for what to discuss, activities or meditations, forming a buddy system, etc for the hypothetical student HSV/STI group? Or any mission statements for the group? I would have to run this by the university's student organization council in order for it to be a recognized group on campus, so I figured I would create an outline for the organization prior to submitting my request to create it! Feel free to respond with ideas! Any input would be greatly appreciated! Blessings! 🌄

Hi, @Lydia I am sorry you are struggling. We are here for you however you need. You are not alone. As someone with a history of sexual trauma, I understand how you must be feeling. Being diagnosed with herpes starts to validate the feelings of dirtiness, badness, shame, and guilt we feel from the previous abuse. Abuse impacts trust, especially abuse that occured in childhood, a time when we think concretely. Children do not think in the abstract until about age 14, and children also have a limited perspective (their own, hence why children will assume everyone's favorite color is yellow if their favorite color is yellow) so when abuse happens, children think it is their fault. Growing up, this manifests into our lives, in more ways than we can imagine. It impacts relationships, as you mentioned. It impacts our own views of ourselves, and makes us feel as though we are used and ugly and bad. In reality, those who hurt us are the bad ones. You are pure and deserving of love. I promise you that none of this is your fault. I have started seeing a therapist about my abuse history, and actually I have found out some odd connections. When I was very young I had an instance of sexual trauma that didn't spark up emotionally until puberty. Eventually when I became sexually intimate with boyfriend's, I would cry wen I saw their parts. I didn't mean to, and I thought something was so wrong with me. At age 14 I developed anorexia, and actually through some intense therapy it was realized my eating disorder came from a place of trying to feeling "clean" (probably related to the memory, and some abandonment and family issues). As I got older I got involved in relationships where the men were cruel and emotionally abusive. When I was 19 I got herpes (GHSV-1) from a partner who sexually abused me. That herpes made me feel contaminated, ugly, and dirty, validating all those thoughts I had from the childhood memory that I was bad. When I told the partner at the time that he had given me herpes, he denied it, although the doctor who diagnosed me told me it would have had to been him (since the intensity of the outbreak meant it was the first, and we had just had sex). He told me it was my fault, that I was probably sleeping around (I wasn't). Thankfully I soon broke up with him, after confronting him about his abusive behavior. Please know you are NOT damaged goods. You are a blessing. You deserve to be happy and healthy and feel loved and respected. Your partner most likely gave this to you, especially considering you are having your first outbreak, and you've only had one other sexual partner. It may be a good idea to have a conversation with your partner and your doctor together; maybe hearing things from a medical doctor would make your partner less resistant to accept reality. If anything, he may be afraid he gave it to you, and it angry at himself or at life, especially if he knows about your history of trauma. So, perhaps a discussion of non-threatening nature and just simple matter-of-fact talk about how he probably have you herpes, how blood tests can be false negatives, etc, may help. Also, if your partner has cold sores in their mouth, they could have given you herpes through oral sex. That is how I got it, I believe. so, to answer your questions... if your partner has it (most likely) you do not need to be as cautious since you both have it, and both have antibodies. If either of you sense prodrome syndrome (right before an outbreak you may feel tingling at the site where you had the first outbreak, you may feel itchy there, or you may feel like you have a cold/flu) or you have an outbreak, it would be best to avoid sex since it may be painful and cause the virus to shed more due to the friction and movement caused by sex. remember, there are SO many myths about herpes! Check out reliable information ❤️ the CDC, WHO, and this awesome site are wonderful resources!! your doctor probably only wrote a ten day prescription first to ensure that the specific drug works for you (there a few herpes medications) and because the doctor probably thinks since your partner gave it to you, you don't need to be on suppressive meds because your partner also has it. However, supressive meds are helpful for YOU and YOUR health, not just your partner's. Consistent outbreaks can be painful and troubling, so supressive medication can help however, it is unlikely to have outbreaks with GHSV-1. But, if you want suppressive medication, you can ask for it, and especially if you have HSV-2 this may be helpful. however, get to know your body's reaction to HSV; take notice of symptoms you experience, as this can help you ID future outbreaks coming on if you get them in the future. It will be ok! You can do this, we are here for you!! 🌄 in the mean time, practice kindness to yourself. I recommend tapping, which is an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) that can help you process trauma, stress, anxiety, really anything at all. YouTube Tapping with Brad Yates and check out what topics he has. It has helped me SO much!! Sending kindness, prayers, and blessings your way. You are not alone. You are worthy of love and respect!! Feel free to direct message me if you need to! Blessings!! 🌄☀️🌼🦋🌈

@Smile1989 Hi, friend!! ❤️ I love love love your perspective and progress forward!!! You are really being kind to yourself, and inspiring others to do the same. Talk therapy is so healing. Books are awesome! Knowledge is powerful, and helps us break down that fear and sadness we may feel inside. A book I love is Assertiveness.for Earth Angels by Doreen Virtue, and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. ❤️ Everything is connected, so even non-herpes-related books are so helpful and really can help with everything!! Tapping is an Emotional Freedom Technique (an EFT) and a great meditative way to heal and overcome issues such as panic attacks and OCD. Tapping with Brad Yates on YouTube rocks!! May your progress continue with happiness and strength!! Hooray for you and your journey ❤️. Sending blessings and happiness your way!! ❤️🌼☀️🌄🌈🦋

Oh my gosh hooray!! Thank you so much for sharing that with everyone!! Awesome ☀️ answers are such wonderful things and knowledge is power!! Blessings!!

@iamcarlosfive Hi! I am so sorry that you have been experiencing stress. The pandemic has actually increased global stress, and my therapist (who I started going to about three weeks ago due to stress, lol) told me that this past year has resulted in the WORST stress and anxiety she has ever seen in decades of work. The stress exacerbates any issues you may already have. For me, and so many others with contamination OCD or OCD in general, the pandemic has really cranked up the volume of the OCD in my head. It's like, now I have a reason to worry, so my OCD latched onto it and I've been a mess! In addition, my OCD latches onto my HSV, and I am paranoid about giving people herpes just by high-fiving them or sharing a bathroom. It is something I am working on and I am getting better each day! Stress can 110% impact outbreaks. When we are stressed, especially with chronic stress, our body is on over drive. Basically, our parasympathetic nervous system doesn't turn on, as it thinks their is constant threat and your body needs to be on high alert to avoid this threat (of the feeling of a threat, aka anxiety or fear). So, what's really cool is we have the ability to turn out parasympathetic nervous system back on, by practicing breathing, visualization, tapping, and exercise like yoga, or simply being in nature and walking on grass. I highly recommend tapping, which is an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)-- it has changed my life and it ROCKS! I do tapping with Brad Yates on Youtube, check it out!!! As a future special education teacher, I wanted to say thank you for working for NYC school district. Sometimes being in such a demanding job can really increase fatigue and stress, but in an odd way... especially if the cases involve really emotional topics like child neglect or family and abuse situations. Remember to make time for you, as hard as that is, and make sure you don't absorb the emotions of the cases. I want to work with incarcerated youth, and some of the stories I have heard are really really painful. I used to bring those feelings home with me and just cry, but I have learned to be strong for my students and feel compassion and empathy, but not take on these emotions like a sponge. Congrats on the new job appointment! Your school district is lucky to have you! We are all here for you! Sending blessings your way! 🌄🌻

Hi! @Blue1982 I am so sorry about that... getting doctors to order a blood test is absurdly difficult, because often times insurance companies lobby doctors not to order tests to the companies can save money (instead of paying for tests). However, YOU are the patient. You are entitled to receive a blood test, especially if it is a STI screening. Yes, culture swabs are very accurate, but blood work can be a wonderful indicator of herpes antibodies. I recommend finding a doctor who will order the blood work for you. Look in your insurance network (if you have insurance), or find a doctor who accepts Medicare or Medicaid. Call the office before hand and explain your situation of how you have not been able to get a doctor to write you a blood test script. I pray it goes well! You deserve to have doctors who respect your wishes, and they should be happy you are taking charge of your health and advocate for yourself! Stay strong! Sending happiness and blessings your way! 🌄🌻

Hi!!! Okay! So this partner... Did they find out they had herpes from a blood test or STI panel? Also, it is unlikely to pass HSV-1 from the genital area (called GHSV-1). I have GHSV-1 and it's really unlikely to pass it genital-to-genital, which is good! However, your potential partner should monitor their health and watch for any prodrome symptoms (tingling, itch, etc); this could help them figure out where they have their HSV-1. Blessings!! 🌼

Hi!!! Yes, you can have/contract both HSV1 and HSV2. It's interesting because there was a study done that found people with HSV-1 who later contracted HSV-2 didn't show as intense symptoms because their bodies already were familiar with the virus (although it was a different strain, so symptoms still arose). However, for you it's vise versa for you since you already have HSV-2, so yes you could still get HSV-1 but I'm not sure if you would show noticable intense symptoms, etc!! I can share the article with you shortly!! 😊 However, it is highly unlikely you would contract HSV-1 unless your partner had it, or a relative kissed you who had a sore or was virally shedding. You can't get it from toilet seats, clothing, touching simple objects, etc! Skin-to-skin is how it's mainly passed!! I hope this helps!! Maybe ask a doctor or a place such as a Planned Parenthood about it-- you can call them and ask the nurse on call and the advice is great!! ❤️ Sending happiness and wellness your way!! ☀️🌄🌼🌈

Hi! @NJRunnerMom Thank you so much ☀️ I appreciate your kind words!! Yes, I shall see which fish in the sea is for me 🐟🐠🐡!!! Hope all is well with you!! Blessings! 🦋🌼🌄

Hey H-Team! So... The guy I was talking to became super distant. So, me being a very direct person just asked "Hi! I wanted to ask if you were still interested in me, which is 110% okay if you aren't! I just wanted to ask to avoid any miscommunication!" He replied and said he just had to focus on him and building his career (he's higher up in the military) and of course I totally understood. I thanked him for being honest with me. Did part of me want to jump to conclusions and think it was because I told him I had HSV? Of course. The worry voice was like "OH SEE IT WAS BECAUSE OF HERPES" but the voice of reason said,"Nope. He told you why. It wasn't meant to be. And that's okay. You didn't do anything wrong." So, friends, if you are in this place, too, know it isn't you. Assumptions are harmful, and they aren't even facts! Usually they are worries. Worries that we are so afraid will come true, so we assume them. Have faith in yourself and that love and happy healthy relationships will come to you ❤️. You deserve respect and mutual feelings of unconditional love. Don't stay with someone if you are happy in the relationship, because you're afraid of being alone and think this is it, no one else will accept me for my HSV status. You deserve respect!! Respect yourself ❤️ you deserve it. Stay strong, friends! I pray for you all and wish you all the best always!! 🌼 Thank you for helping me work through my worries and struggles. I couldn't do this without this forum and all of you!! 🌼❤️🌈🍀😇 Sending joy and happiness!!!

Hello! Great, I'm happy to hear that. If you ever are worried, calling a clinic like Planned Parenthood can be really helpful. They can answer questions and be a comforting resource if you ever have questions. I hope the medicine helps!! Blessings!!

Hello! First, do NOT apologize. Your questions are so valid. I am so sorry for your pain. Please know you are not alone and you have a group of people here who totally understand and care about you! A first outbreak of HSV-2 can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks, according to the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm). This could be why you are still struggling with these sores a month after the initial infection began. In terms of the sores: Sores heal in stages. All sores go through a typical cycle of burning/tingling skin, lesion/sores appear, they start to fill with fluid and ooze, eventually crust over/scab, and then finally the scab falls off and new skin grows. This can occur at a different time-frame for each sore, and these sores are dependent on the shedding of the virus. During an outbreak, the virus is shedding, which can cause new sores to appear. That is perhaps why sores are appearing despite old ones having healed. The marks from the sores may still last, because the skin is new and tender, and because of this it's often shades lighter than the rest of the skin around it. For me, after the sores went away, I could tell where the sores once were since new pink skin replaced the scabs. Have you seen any doctors, and have you been prescribed any antiviral medication? If so, have you noticed it working at all? If not, have you told your doctor? Maybe they could try a different kind (Common ones are Acyclovir, Famcyclovir, and Valacyclovir). Placing Lysine cream on the sores is a natural way to help the sores heal and relieve pain and chafing from clothing. These sites are helpful for information: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/genital-herpes-common-but-misunderstood https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm I hope this helps! Remember to be kind to yourself. You are still worthy of love and kindness. This is not your fault and it does not make you any less of a person. Stay strong! Sending wellness and happiness your way! ☀️

Hello, @Helpwithherpes I am so sorry about this, and I am so sorry I did not respond to your first inquiry on the 11th. I am very sorry that the person broke up with you, however you deserve so much better anyway. I honestly think I am currently going through the same thing with someone (I think he is ghosting me, yippee), and have been rejected for having herpes SO many times. I also have HSV-1, and I thankfully have not had too many outbreaks (only two since my first in March of 2019). Things that have helped me are being aware of my prodrome symptoms so I can make sure I'm prepared for an outbreak before it happens. Lysine cream really helps, too, and is natural. I also am a cyclist and my herpes hasn't stopped me! I think there is a way to delete posts, but I do not think the user can. Contact Adrial, the founder and owner of the site. You can tag him @mr_hopp and ask! I am sending you blessings and wellness! Stay strong! 🌄♥️

Aw of course!! Honestly the antivirals work amazingly, and as much as I don't like taking medicine, I have a bottle of Acyclovir for just in case I get an outbreak. One time I didn't have access to the medicine and I let the sore heal by itself, which wasn't too bad, it just lasted longer than if I would've used the antiviral medicine. I just used my lysine cream to help the skin pain. However, don't let yourself suffer if the anxiety and skin irritation bother you! If you need to take the antiviral, go for it. For small outbreaks such as one sore, two or three days of taking the antiviral 3x per day made mine heal super quick. Truly amazing stuff! God bless whoever invented these antivirals!!! You can do this! Stay strong 🦋!