Emma13

Hahaha thank you for injecting some humor. Yes I think I was overreacting. I had a friend look and she said she gets that too from wearing shorts or skirts and sitting on things. I'll just clean it off :) But sometimes I do get scared. Thanks! ~Emma

Hello, I am sometimes unsure whether a spot is a herpes outbreak or just a badly placed pimple or skin infection. I dont' want to put anyone at risk (because I do have a sexual partner) but I also don't want to overreact. Normally my outbreaks are on the lips of my vagina or even around my anus. I have three tender red spots on my butt cheek but that is it. They don't hurt a lot or anything but I am concerned because I really really really don't want to pass it on to my partner. I might be making a mountain out of a molehill but is there some way I can be sure? Thanks Confused and worried, ~Emma

Thank you so much for this information! I will keep working on this. This was very helpful and supportive.

Hello, I have HSV1 on my vagina and it has been about a year now. I have two questions: has anyone in my similar situation decided they should use dental dams as well as condoms when having sex and oral sex? how common is it to transfer to someone's mouth? Any my second question: Has anyone who has had HSV ever not had a full outbreak but their clitoris is ezra sensitive and a little painful and stings? I can't tell if it is an outbreak or just a temporary abnormality. This has happened twice and it goes away. There are no signs of sores elsewhere, just a sensitive clitoris. Thank you so much everyone!

Wow that is amazing! I'm happy for you! I'm so scared of disclosing myself.

That's great! I have a question, did you say HSV1 or did you say oral herpes becoming genital? I am looking to actually start having sex again and am contemplating how I will disclose. I am wondering about the vocabulary that people use because just the word "herpes" has so much more stigma attached to it than it merits. So if I may ask, how did you tell him? Most people wouldn't know what it meant if I told them I had HSV1 on my genitals... Thank you! and I am happy for you!

Well from my limited experience and knowledge yes it does differ for each person individually but often it can come out after a period. But it might not happen! Hopefully if you keep a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep enough your period won't affect it but it does change for everyone. I have been getting an outbreak after my period--and I'm on it now so we will see how this one goes! Good luck my friend. Keeping a journal is a good idea. Also for your thoughts!

Well, I tend to rush things I suppose... I got diagnosed with herpes only in April. So I'll give myself more time. I had them once a month at first, then they lessened, and now with increased stress levels I had different things that I believe are herpes outbreaks at least once a month and I am trying to learn how my body deals. It is also confusing because sometimes I have outbreaks that are definitely more like the first one, (similar spots, similar but much less pain) and then I have had others that I think are herpes that are more like an itchy/painful rash, and then ones that are just simply one or two very painful pimple-like but mostly likely herpes mostly on my rear end.

Do people normally get fewer and fewer and less dramatic breakouts as they age and their body learns how to deal with it? Or does it stay regular? Of course I expect fluctuation with times of stress but I mean in general.

Ok thank you for all your help and advice! I'll learn to work with my body...

Oh ok I see. Well I am still new to all this, 5 months, and I'll keep working with it. Lowering stress levels is the hardest part--herpes just exacerbates it! Is there a difference between the herpes suppressive meds or are they mostly the same? Thanks guys

Hello everyone! I was wondering if it is possible to still have herpes outbreaks while taking the suppressive medication every day. I am taking valacyclovir once a day now (I was taking it twice a day) and I have two spots on my bottom and am paranoid now and was wondering if it was herpes or just a little skin infection/pimple. Can you have outbreaks while taking the meds? I am not with anyone at the moment so there is no danger of it spreading if it is herpes but I just need to learn some of the more science behind it and get to know my body better. Thanks!

Hello, I'd like to join in on that concept with another question. I have genital herpes but it is HSV-1, so does that mean that it is likely that my partner gave it to me from oral sex and has just herpes orally? Or is it genital? Or is it even possible to know.... (they have never had an outbreak) And then (linked to your question) can HSV-1 shed if it is just oral herpes? So should everyone that even just gets cold sores (without any of the herpes stigma) "disclose" to their partner?

Hello lifegoeson1234! I am thinking that hopefully this outbreak and itching will go away soon. They usually don't last that long. So soon you will be able to sleep well again and the itching and pain will go down. I don't see that as a reason to take off school! On the contrary hopefully you can use this as an experience to grow! You can look into taking different medicines every day to lower the chance of an outbreak, personally I am on Valtrex. As far as constipation goes, I get that too and I would buy some Miralax powder that you mix with water. It doesn't taste bad and it will help with it within the day usually. I hope you feel better!

Hi Vanaud! I am sorry to hear you are upset--I understand. I got herpes just after my 21st birthday so I understand that being only 23 and getting this is upsetting too. I contracted it in France so I had to deal with it all in French (my second language) so I really feel for you to have to do this in English which you say is not your first language. It sucks! I just wanted to say that this is not your fault and it isn't fair but you are still young and strong and beautiful and can still be happy. I get outbreaks after my periods mostly but I started taking Valtrex for a while just so I don't have to stress about it. Then I will figure out how I will deal with it in the long term. Good luck to you and I'm sending good vibes your way! ~Emma