Sunset

Test now and test again. It's all you both can do. But it's ProActive and that's what it is all about! Lysine - again, if you feel it helps, it certainly isn't hurting. I feel the same way even when everything I read says, not so much for HsV2.

HSV2 is not known to respond to lysine. HSV1, yes. I do take lysine 1,000 mg per day, but only because "I" feel better doing so, like it might matter. 4 months in I still cannot fathom sex of any sort without getting a BO - so, kinda common I read. Hang in there and as long as it's consensual - good to go - as we are Not Responsible for other educated Adults decisions.

My dose is 2 per every 8 hours for 7 days. Supression is 2x per day. I just know that I feel like I'm high all the time and I've another 6 days to go on high dose as I just can't seem to get past the burning or hyper sensitivity oddness of it either. I will say at least a finger or two or underwear isn't causing a BO last couple days as I keep testing the waters bit by bit - but still can't fathom a good fucking let alone getting myself off even without penetration.

Suck it up and tell him. You know you'd expect the same. The best lessons in life are learning from and correcting the mistakes we've made. When all is said and done, you'll be free to move on as until you fess up, it will eat you alive. Just my take based on my experience(s)

I went on Acyclovir and it did not work well, but I felt fine taking it. I recently switched to Valtrex a couple weeks back and have been wondering about my low grade headaches and fuzzy / dreamy / tired feeling in my head that is almost 24/7. I did read Valtrex can cause this in some folks. So far, I'll stay on it as maybe 4+ months in I'm finally getting ahead of a continuous BO. Curious what others have found or tried or felt.

Not sure why you wouldn't try an option to assist your body in healing. It's no different than an asprin, advil, tylenol or painkiller or antibiotic. Up to you, but I too have other "issues" that complicate and my hepatologist is all for me helping to assist my body. Drugs don't "fix", they assist. Hang in and thanks for posting!

So very happy for you! I believe in what you say and have presented. All in due time. We just have to be warriors to know that to fight and stay in the game Matters. Yay!!!! for you :)

Worse is only good as you might get a better sample this next time as open lesion is best - only other option is a biopsy, if you can find a person to do it. Some H trials do as they can't get lesion samples so they go for the skin, like in a coloscopy. My symptoms got worse, better, worse, better, moved and at gyn yesterday for another deal and I being that was the most action my girl has had since last June! - I think it gave me a slight bo as it itches and underwear is uncomfortable - today. HSV1 is nothing compared to HSV2. HSV2 is the alpha H for sure and harder to fight off. So - getting worse is to be expected.... do the duration high dose until cleared up. Or try another antiviral. But I'd get tested again in a month. It took me almost 12 weeks for blood to show positive even though I was miserable.

PresentMoment - I did not find you insensitive at all. However I do appreciate you saying something if it felt off to you. Life is what it is and mine just happens to be what it is now - onward.... once I figure out what that means :) Follow your heart on what's best, it's all we can do even when we screw it up! lol no pun intended....

53 annual testing I do was negative October and November 2017 no sex since june 2017 first outbreak was in Nov - Dec 2017, 1 tiny lesion doc said couldn't be first- but here I'm testing negative for blood I tested positive for HSV2 in Jan 2018 I have not yet been rid of it for a shy 4 months It has moved from area to area. I felt frisky, had a couple orgasm and boom - BO where I rubbed Had to change meds as acyclovir wasn't working for 3 months I am one of those asymptomatic women that did annual STD testing as I'm very careful... so far, not one past love in two years is reading positive. No idea where or when I got it, no idea how long. All I do know is that is moves around as it see fits. Friction even when it feels nice and slippery can still be friction Your on the right track with meds and before trying supressive see if your body is able to fight it back on its own - mine still cannot. Just know, staying on low dose meds does reduce your shedding / spreading to others. Unless she tested negative specifically to HSV2 prior to you both deciding to not practice safe sex - you won't ever know if she knew she had it.

I will also add - my HPV high risk is not the 16 & 18 the vaccine covers and I still had HSIL, cervical dysplasia. The article is clear it does not cover all types. Mine also came on very fast. So in my mind the vaccine isn't covering possibly another HPV high risk culprit. But, all in due time as it continues to be researched as it's all so very new, not really, but from a point where it's worth trying to prevent, yes. Drug companies will always win the $$ battle - it is such with ALL drugs. We do not live in a society that functions on what's best for the whole. But it's been as such forever and not a reason to not vaccinate if You feel it is in yours or your child's best interest. Freedom of Choice

PresentMoment (my long winded answer:) - vaccines have been around forever and proven to be effective and safe and beneficial. There will always be folks who don't support or believe in them. I to this day have never had the flu shot. I don't see the point. This year, I got sick... but on such a low grade level compared to everyone else it was rather shocking. They all had the flu shot, I did not. However, not to say the shot was why I fared better - I just do and did. Last year I got pneumonia and I never have lung issues with colds / flu. Never. So this year I started the pneumonia vaccine - I'll take my chances and not take the powerful drugs and down time pneumonia creates. It's a trade off and possible risk I am more than willing to take. Last year I also got my tetanus shot (been over 25 years and avoided due to the ache it creates! ) Last year I proactively got a shingles vaccine. Shingles is a herpes virus. After finding out I had HSV2 while still testing negative for it over a period of many months - plus my evil and lethal liver diagnosis of PSC - my stress levels went through the roof and shingles I plan to avoid if at all possible. Get my immune system On Board while it's still strong. But that's me. As for the HPV vaccine - I would in a moment recommend my child under 18 get it if she or he plans to be sexually active. It's all about education and awareness. By 15-16 I'd be making time to read up STD's of all kinds. Prevention included. Sex is gonna happen and non safe sex is gonna happen. The other option is let them decide at age 18 - by then they will be very educated to the risks, pros and cons of all STD's. That's all we can do as parents. I would not feel the need to disclose my HPV or H to my child. I would most likely do so if they contracted the same. Our society is so uptight about sex that we can't even teach safe sex - therein lies the issue. So, it starts with parents doing so in a very open, blunt and Real Life way. STD's are not the end of the world, but they can sure make life tough - mentally and physically and medically. Here is a great article updated 1/2017 by the CDC for sexually transmitted diseases. It contradicts what some have written - so it's really up to you to decide what's in the best interest for you children. And by 18, we can only hope children are taught that they have their own voice and are welcome to make their own decisions - part of learning to become a responsible adult... but in the meantime, educate educate educate! Annual Screening: Yes - they do it easily during a pap smear. I had to ask for it, insist on it as I was seeing the same guy. Never let a doc tell you what you do or don't need, if you want to be tested, Do It. It's your body and Your Peace of Mind Precancerous Cells before: No, not even when I first tested positive for HPV in fall 2016 Precancerous Cells happened in fall 2017 - but they were able to remove them all (biopsy and LEEP procedures) and I will test again in June, 6 months later to confirm. Disclosure: I do. My doc didn't think I needed to as everyone has it. But I know that if I was with a woman who had it, I'd want to know! However few docs and others think it's necessary to disclose. I mean, let's be real, Men can't be tested so giving head is a risk thus it's like, why should I disclose if men will never know if spreading it? It's a Man's World and part of me is like, if so, I'll play and not disclose either. But, I have a conscience. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-vaccine-young-women.htm

Swab tests are more accurate if taken from actual lesions. Just irritation isn't enough. Trial testing they do they actually take biopsies of your vaginal wall as part of the program - as if you don't show any lesions, they don't know where to go. Don't recommend biopsy, but would highly recommend going on an antiviral high dose then suppressive until it clears up. Maybe go to a clinic and see what they say, most docs are not very educated on H.... I tell my gyn stuff and she is like, really? Wow, that's rough! And I'm thinking, you think? lol... Frustrating - sorry you are in the midst of this and for so long.

I will also add that it is typically gay men who get HPV anal cancer which is the only way they have tested men in the past, anal swab. The stigma historically is that HPV and cervical Cancers was a Loose Woman's Disease and now it's being recognized as a disease that up to 80% adults will have and soon more... or less if vaccinated. The bigger issue as Optimist pointed out is that they are just starting to realize how much cancer is caused by HPV so why would I not want my child protected as you Know how high the risk is of getting it - as they will never know until it rears up and so far, Men will never know - just keep spreading. I'd risk a vaccination over cancer options any day... not to mention the medical costs and pain and suffering to all when it happens. HPV is not just a virus, it can kill and will rise up if given opportunity to do so, a silent killer if not caught in time and no other complicating factors arise. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm

I have HPV and I have high Risk HPV and I have cervical cancerous issues due to it. If you read the stats on how many carry it and that men cannot be tested and spread it the most, it's worth a thought. I don't know any children that have had issues - but I'm adult that has huge issues with it, so, yes, one less death maybe... or just later they die. Just depends on the disease and how opportunistic one's body is. HSV2 actually acts a passage way for HPV to infect cells as most bodies can fight off HPV before it causes any damage. HPV is not as opportunistic a f'k as HSV2 is when it comes to weakened immune systems (sickness or flu or otherwise) - but if given the right combo - HPV will rise and attack and most won't even know as it's pretty asymptomatic. They say it takes up to 10 years typically - for it to manifest in cancer. Vaginal, Anal, Cervix, Penile, Throat All lovely and sadly, because it is so new on the radar, folks are just starting to realize the connection between the cancers and HPV. So, folks get sick or die from it now or sick and die from it later. Considering how HPV has affected my life? I'm all for vaccine and I don't even have the HPV 16 or 18 that the vaccine covers... just another High Risk version that took less than 2 years to infect my cervical cells. So - it's a crap shoot, but one I'd risk and glad my nieces and nephews also felt the same.

I know quite a few that never go on meds. Try it - but know that going on them does not stop your body from doing its job, it just makes your symptoms easier to cope with. I'd say go on meds at 3x per day for 7 days and then go off or go on suppressive at 2x per day. Meds don't hurt anything but do assist in the healing process - my doc has said, it's up to me how I wish to treat it. Hang in there and yay for a 4 month break! HSV2 is much worse than the HSV1... so you on the right track by being vigilant. I think :)

I think UName has a good point. Regardless of how you do it, Tell Her. Ask yourself first - would You Want to Know if the tables were turned? That all said, I get it. We just want to be "normal" and not worry like we use to. That's forever over. Now for us all to settle into our new "normal". Take care, be kind to yourself and Be Honest with yourself and your Lover(s)

@Sandra and all you other lovely ladies! On Valtrex 3x per day 500 mg. Will do this for 7 days then go to 2x per day as suppressive. I started Valtrex a good week after my latest BO (the weirdo moldy type one that just sort of spread a white color and only a one actual lesion. The moldy white is not as painful, but just itchy and burning. SO, here into my 6th day and I'm feeling and looking kinda normal!?! I can't help but look - I prefer knowledge as I want to know what it looks like when I feel shit. But that's me. Little bit of itch here and there, so fingers crossed. One upsetting part was until I told my new PC doc what the last 4 months had been like in detail - She Didn't Get It! I'm like you wonder why I'm unhappy - try having your pussy on fire and not be able to wear clothes or sit or do much of anything without pain and knowing the disease is blistering your vagina. She sort of stared at me and was like, wow, that is bad. Fucking Duh! Add in my lethal autoimmune diagnosis in Jan - duh hello of course I'm not happy. However - just gotta NEVER delay getting to docs, making sure they listen and take care of our needs and Never Ever just saying, not sure what I have - find out and be proactive in healing and not spreading. And If doc not good enough, move on. I will still go to clinics for trials when I have more time and settle in just due to how HsV can be a very dangerous disease for me down the road. Question: how long do you feel good before you try to have an O? I'm afraid to rub or touch (toilet paper now kinda ok, damn time lol). It is just so wrong to go without for so long. I love a good orgasm and miss them even if I've been on my own for going on a year.... yep and still HsV showed up in January after testing negative end of last year. Wild. So - curious how y'all break your girls back in IF you've been having a long term BO issue that just seems to move around as it sees fit. You all rock And for the record - I totally support HPV vaccine as HPV is a deadly virus to my body and I'd readily take my chances to avoid it EVER infecting me and riding on HsV2 and compromised immune system to allow it easier entry into my cells, but to each their own and that's cool.

MakingIt2017 - it is a bit boggling isn't it. I still shake my head that I have it - but - here we are. One woman said on here, just offer up cuddle time and not ready for sex to start. That seems hard to do as I know if I'm hot and bothered, I'd have a hard time just cuddling. Never been a friend cuddler just for that reason.... I've never met a dude OK just to cuddle. But, that's me! HPV is now recommended up to age 27 actually by more forward thinking docs. It also is in trials to see of the vaccine can help with those infected with the high risk types that do get complications. My doc is already being primed by me if I continue to have cervical issues come June that I want to try the vaccine - not that I need her permission. From here, I'd make sure I get approved for total hysterectomy... over HPV and HSV. Yep, it can go that badly for some. There are over 100 types of HPV, most just not a big deal Low risk are the warts - genital or not and are part of the vaccine 6 & 11. High risk are the cancers - 16 and 18 are part of vaccine. "High-risk HPV strains include HPV 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Other high-risk HPV viruses include 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, and a few others. Low-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, cause about 90% of genital warts, which rarely develop into cancer." I don't have have either 16 or 18 high risk but still have cervical issues, even though 16 and 18 are typically associated with cervical cancers and the vaccine covers these two. The point is I'm prime example that HPV matters and testing for it is important for women to do at pap smear if you've ever been sexually active. HPV is spread orally and genitally - just doesn't carry the same infectious rate as HsV1 & HsV2 as it's not as visible, uncomfortable or obviously socially unacceptable - thus Men are not tested and still cannot be even though they spread it the most. Just like they do with HSV. Like it or not, it that were different, treatment would be different. I just promote greater awareness, testing of ALL STDS regardless of cost annually if sexually active. And get DETAILS of your STD. It matters if HsV1 or HsV2. It Matters why type of HPV. It could save even your own life even though most don't see Std's as life threatening. They can be and are if the stars align. OK - back to great chat on Sex with H!.... can't wait... lol....

Optimist - thank you for upate on stats - lots of info to take in. I agree that H is not a big deal for the majority, I just want folks to be sure to practice safe sex if they have it REGARDLESS of how bad it is or is not for them. We never know how another's body may or may not react to said disease. As for HPV - the only reason it is not a bigger deal is that it use to be called a loose woman's disease back in the 60-70's per an ex nurse friend. HPV was about women being responsible for spreading her legs. Vaccines for it were fought Hard but finally Reasoning minds won out. Now, boys can too be vaccinated. The issue I have is that only Women carry the burden, unless gay anal sex and men get anal cancer from HPV - only reason we ever really know they have it. It causes throat cancer in some (see Michael Douglas) so HPV is very real and very dangerous to the small few. Thus when my doc didn't even think to tell me I had it I had a few words to say. As in my case, in less than 2 years it took advantage of my compromised immune system and here I have cervical dysplasia and if not stay better I am having cervix, uterus and ovaries removed. Why leave shit in if only vulnerable to HPV and HSV evil cancers given the right moment to strike? So again - not the end of the world, just like most diseases, however, H should always carry high respect. I would never be saying so if I were not the one person that cannot yet seem to fight even HPV whereas most just do. It's all about awareness and not spreading. In due time I'll put my face out there on HPV, HSV and PSC and Rosacea.... My life is shortened now and best I step up and fight for what I know and what most take for granted (understandably so)! That said - can't wait to date, see how conversations go and oooh la la, just to feel a warm body in my bed. All in due time ladies - we are So Very Worth it!

H is not not NOTHING. It is a very real and uncomfortable, unpredictable and ugly societal stigma. Easy to to have cold sores on a mouth but not on genital. Welcome to humans inability to be reasonable. I know I avoided H of any kind and so when I got it, I was shocked too. I'm not a get a round type even if I love good fun sex. I packed condoms and didn't meet one guy who carried his own. I lectured my gf's on it - and here I'm the one who got it. Also, H can be very bad for those with compromised immune systems or other immuno related diseases. H can assist as a passage way for HPV if the high risk type and cause greater issues with cancers (vaginal, ovarian, anal). H can disseminate in rare cases if you have to be on steroids or other immuno-suppressant drugs for any amount of time. Dissemination is equal to very ugly cancers. SO - it is a big deal to have it. However, it is not the end of the world. Love the stories here as I've yet to feel well enough after 4 months to even get off myself without causing an BO. But I'm learning here, so keep up the honest pros and cons... and I look forward to sharing my story one day.....need to brush up on my statistics! Take care lovely ladies... keep rockin Life and Relationships!

Transmission is VERY possible while on meds. But risk is reduced. Meds and Condoms and full disclosure is best bet to not spread. I've known many that never spread it. I've not ever spread it before I knew I had it... but someone certainly gave it to me feeling the same, clean as a whistle. I have OB being on antivirals... like over 4 months now (so I'm trying a new antiviral) - so, it varies from person to person. There is not one size fits all with this disease.

It's so sad, but feels good to know I'm / You are not alone with regard to fun Valtentine's day activities! Take care - fingers crossed Valtrex starts working for me.... tra la fucking la! ;)

Hey - I understand as my BO came as a total surprise as I had tested negative twice, 2-3 months prior on standard testing. I always test 1x per year, regardless. I think I'm one of those asymptomatic carriers - but not any more. I'm sorry you are going through this and the end result. However, the fact you never had any issues is a major bonus. Run with that fact. Your body is just that strong and healthy. A very good thing! 4 months in for me, the shock is wearing off - just want to get things under control as that is my issue, I can't make it go away as my body has autoimmune issues and somehow 2017 they hit hard or something as I had 3 bad incurable issues crop up. Love your body for what it's able to take on and soon your mind and feelings about it all will change for the positive. Dating - I've not gone that road yet as I can't even have sex with myself lol.... but I'm closer to being ready and honestly, I truly feel very strong in the sense of, if it don't work for a new partner / lover / fwb.... no problem! Big Hugs!

That article was too broad and not what I've been told in 2018. They are not the same but do similar work. Both reduce shedding / transmission. I just switched to Valtrex as Acyclovir was not working for last 4 months. Every body is different. If Valtrex clears me up for good, I will then stay on it as a suppressive for a while. So, if you find something is working, I'd stay with it. I've been told your body will build up antibodies regardless of antivirals and while sexually active it could help to reduce transmission. Some use it. Some don't. Some just get H from their partners and not worry about it. Anyone who has immune compromised issues should Not mess with Herpes as H loves a weak immune system. I know. So, from my experience, it is totally my call if I wish to try, stay on anti-virals. From here, I would base it on how sexually active I am and with how many individuals. And of course, How I Feel.