MMissouri

I'm echoing what Bambina3 said! Go you!

I don't know that you would need one of those. Since you are a guy, why not have her set up an appointment with her gynecologist for you both? Or, you could check out a clinic that specializes in STDs. (Sorry, I'm not sure exactly where guys go for genital problems lol)

I would get the large lump checked out just to see what exactly you are dealing with. Many people gets cysts, which is no big deal, but there is a risk of infection.

Good positive things are the best :). We just took a quick trip to Branson (Silver Dollar City) to destress before school started for everyone. It was a good break from the everyday routine. Now school is back in session for us all and I am back to having too much to do and too little time. I love house projects, just don't have the time at the moment. Any specific thing you are working on?

I've been great ty! Just got home from vacation. How are things going with you?

You're welcome. Make sure you see a doctor that is up to date on H information. Unfortunately most general practitioners are not.

I think genital infections are worse than oral just because there are more things to irritate the area. (Friction, heat/sweat, etc). As for her getting a genital outbreak, it's possible, but pretty rare from what I understand. I haven't ever seen stats on genital to genital transmission of HSV1. If anything, you are at a greater risk of picking it up orally from her than her getting it genitally from you. I think at this point in the relationship, if you haven't picked it up, you probably won't, unless something happens to someones immune system. My husband has it orally, I have it genitally. We are pretty sure he is my giver. (sometimes you just don't know). We have never used antivirals (except for my last few weeks of pregnancy) or any other protection other than avoiding the areas during an outbreak. He has never had a genital outbreak, I've never had an oral one (17 years later). Welcome to the forum :)

The majority (if not all) are caused by HSV1. It's called "mat herpes". And unless it's a very rare case, I would guess you have HSV1. I understand the concerns you have, and why you would want antivirals just in case, but I still don't agree with the way things are progressing. (I'm very much a test result before treatment type person). Anyways. Good luck, hope you get some answers soon.

@julia_I so glad things went well!

There are two departments in the lab that test for herpes. One is serology (serum from blood work) which provides ranges of antibodies in your serum. The other is microbiology which works up cultures. (Think swabs, plates, and slides). Anyway. Your test results indicate they did not do a blood work up and have no ranges to report (N/A meaning not applicable) and they did a culture work up instead (the microbiology department isolated the virus). If a culture workup is positive, you can be sure you have herpes. It's the negatives (not enough of the virus collected, or not swabbed properly) that are questioned. If you want the type of the strain you have, then I would follow up with the blood testing.

Herpes gladiatorum is caused by HSV1 (if it is caused by HSV2, I've never heard of that). The type doesn't really matter. Just be mindful of washing your hands after touching the area and of course keep her out of contact with the area until it clears. (IF this is truly herpes). I do not think you should be on antivirals without a herpes diagnosis. That's just my opinion. And swabs depend on viral load, so a healing lesion or secondary outbreak may not have as much of a viral load as a fresh/new outbreak does. Meaning you may get a false positive. I'm not a doctor though, so go with what your doctor suggests (although I'm already iffy on their methods considering they are handing out meds without confirmation of what they are treating.)

Herpes gladiatorum is caused by HSV1 if I'm not mistaken. Moterboating her? I still think that if you are truly positive, this is going to be the oddest case of transmission I've ever heard of. If she does have herpes gladiatorum, odds are she probably isn't aware it's herpes. She probably does think it's something else. How many people actually know of herpes gladiatorum? Which brings me to ask... How do you know of such a thing? I mean you immediately thought of herpes, which I find odd also.

It most likely varies by person. We just talked about this on a thread for genital hair removal and the person that did it did not have any irritation from it. I found this: "Those who have herpes simplex virus I or II should tell the aesthetician that is performing the laser hair removal before treatments have begun. It will be necessary to take a prescription antiviral medication for several days both before and after the curative. If the hair removal is in the area of previous outbreaks, it is workable that the heat from the laser will cause a flare up of the herpes virus. If a herpes outbreak is active, either on the face or genital location, it is important to reschedule the session." You can do a search with "herpes and laser hair removal" and find all kinds of information. Hope that helps.

Herpes gladiatorum is the proper term, but I'm still surprised they gave you meds before giving you a diagnosis. If you want to be tested, it could affect your test results. They didn't offer to swab the spots?

@virgopoly, I agree with optimist that what you are feeling is normal. I think that since your husband is so accepting, I would follow his lead (Outbreak free of course).

I agree with your SIL. If you have an autoimmune disorder then they may very well be your best bet. I didn't realize it wasn't outbreaks genitally and just sensitivity (If they can't see it, odds are they may think you are just drug seeking). Best of luck, it isn't easy to get pain relief sometimes, because there are so many people that abuse it.

I checked it out too, I agree- interesting! "My vulva is beautiful". Repeat that, lol.

@GlacierDaisy, If the pain is unbearable, I would definitely go to the ER for pain relief. I went for my first outbreak and they offered me a local (which I declined, the thought of a needle anywhere near that area was not happening) and a full script to fill at a pharmacy. A lot of people have that horrible genital pain when urinating. They suggest urinating in the tub/shower. The flow of water helps the burn. There are many suggestions for treating the sores themselves to heal them quicker from the outside. You might want to look at some threads to get that information. (WCSDancer is usually the one that posts them, look for her name). I'm so sorry that you are having such a horrible outbreak. I hope that the antivirals kick in and give you some relief soon.

I don't think anyone was saying that herpes influences the menstrual cycle, but rather that the cycle can cause outbreaks?

LOL @SunDevourer!!! The plot twist ;)

I agree it varies depending on the individual and in your case the couple. What are your husbands thoughts on this?

I'm really at a loss with this post. First of all, how do you know for sure that it was herpes on her breasts? (That's an odd area for herpes to begin with). And a doctor prescribed you antivirals based on what? And..In order for you to get an outbreak on your mouth from her breast, you would have had to spend quit a bit of time with your mouth on it. And you didn't notice this until after you made out? Anyway.. If you don't feel up to watching your niece until you get this sorted out, then just say you are feeling under the weather. I think I would stop the antivirals, see what happens, and if a blister appears get it swabbed asap. If it does turn out to be herpes, I'm going to be amazed, because this is an odd situation.

Welcome to the forum.

I liked that she put the story out there, not so much the writing itself. The comments were good, although they prove that most people are still clueless.

You guys have only been dating for three months, so I think his actions at the moment are normal. If it had been a few years then I'd think that was more concerning. As for when he's more comfortable going without a condom- I'd let him decide that. (Except for when you are feeling an outbreak coming on of course). At the moment, I'd try to just go with the flow, and not take it personally when he chooses protection. I would be kind of hurt at the statement that he made also. He probably didn't mean it to hurt you, but unfortunately it's hard not to take that personally. I'm not sure of your ages, and if you might want kids in your future? But if you do, then this might cause a conflict later on. Some people are perfectly happy using condoms for the rest of their lives. I would not be. Anyway, until you get there, I wouldn't worry about it. For now, just see how the relationship grows. If he's went without a condom already, odds are he will again in the future.