Sunset

Yes. I just switched from Acyclovir to Valtrex as it was not working for me. I just made sure to wait a day between. Both are known to reduce shedding so if acyclovir is working for you, I'd say, stay with it. Some folks note that valtrex is more expensive. It was not for me here in the US. It also seems acyclovir is the gentlest of the two on our bodies over the long term - from my research since I just started Valtrex yesterday. Happy Valetine's Day activities for the H positives... lol :)

BlueBerry08 - what's even more hilarious is that I too ordered new antivirals yesterday and got into it with docs on delay on getting back with me on options. Happy Valetines to Us! lol.... And I agree - time. Just 4 months in and on drugs... just tired of this discomfort and missing my once almost daily O's!

No good answer here and you will have to allow your gf to figure out what she needs to do and listen to what she is going to need from you to heal. Worst case, she leaves. If she comes back negative, even greater chance. There has only been one man in my life I'd have stayed with had he told me your story. Be patient and loving to yourself and your gf. Give her the time and space to vent or just stay away. It could take months...and know that if meant to be, she will come back. I've read about many that do once the dust settles. Bravo for admitting your doing another so wrong - a good lesson for all. Thank you for sharing.

K75 - my itchy tickly issues I thought yeast I think too have been H. Hormone treatment has been great for me and argh on the breast cancer caveat! And sorry about the added diagnosis - harsh. When I need lubrication I found Vit E suppositories were the best. Natural and I can break them to size as needed. Little messy, but worth it. I know when I used them during my itchy, tingly phase a few weeks back, it felt better - but not sure if it was a negative to the H - a question for my doc. Hang in there - I'm with you just with different damn issues.

I take natural HRT (estrogen cream on my vagina daily to build up thinning of walls and dryness was my menopausal issue too - and it works as once back on board, I could have lots of great sex with my partner at the time... le sigh lol), progesterone and testosterone pills. Nobody seems to be concerned with my being on antivirals in combo with. I just switched to Valtrex ax Acyclovir was not working going on 4 months. So, I will see if I have any off side effects. I was more concerned about my liver, as I have an autoimmune disease PSC that kills my bile ducts and the possible Stevens Johnson Syndrome side effect- had an episode of this back in 2016 due to a medication. My point? :) Is both my hepatologist (liver doc) and GYN are fine with me on Valtrex... SJS, HRT and PSC disease and all. I say go for it and find a new doc. It's about your Peace of Mind. I'd suggest starting with Acyclovir as it seems to the most commonly used and have the least amount of side effects over long term use.

Happy for you... move on. And be happy you can have sex - not all of us can without causing a BO. Hell, I can't even not have sex without getting one. However, I will say that even on suppressive meds and using condoms - you should disclose prior to sex. Condoms Do Not prevent spread, just greatly reduce the chance of spreading.

RESEARCH!!! Lots of great info out there and ask lots of questions to your doctor. I still can't have sex or an orgasm without insertion without getting a BO just due to the friction alone... not like there was any but enough to piss off my disease. Another I know that had a severe BO a couple months before I was diagnosed, took no drugs and she is having sex. It really depends on how our bodies handle it in the end. I've been on drugs for it for 4 months, varying dose based on BO and inbetween - and so far, I don't think they are helping, but maybe. I see my doc next week. I'd also look into clinics on this - I think they know more than most docs. HSV2 is very doable, but can also be very Not Doable. Such is my case so far. Hang in there and stay positive as you can.

It sucks and only time and work will get you past the ugh. I'm going on 4 months and haven't had a break, I can't kick it, and I still notice I am less worried about it. I practiced very safe sex, but like UName said, most don't have symptoms and just don't know. Also, blood tests can be wrong. I tested negative in 2016 and 2017. Didn't test positive blood wise until January 2018. So when I have my first tiny lesion at a doc appt and was told I had herpes in November I'm like how can that be? I've not had sex for over 5 months and I tested negative twice (October and November). One lover I contacted and he is negative. The others have tried to reconnect as lovers so I would not think they know they are positive, if they even are. Point is, I don't know where, when or who. For some it's not too bad, for others it sucks. So far, I think it sucks! Hope your experience is different. As a lot of folks live with it without much hassle...

I understand. I had my first single lesion outbreak in early November. I've not had more than 10 or so days where I was not uncomfortable one way or another. Mine is so far only on my vagina. One lesion outside. Then it came back to same area. Then I have another short break from it all and then I start to itch and tickle inside and slowly it creeps to around the entrance. Never notice any sores - but this continues for 2 months. (tested for yeast and vaginosis- negative) I have a couple moments where I'm like, I feel kinda ok so I get off. A week later, I'm still not well, but in the mood, I get off. No insertion of course! Needless to say, the rubbing of my finger caused a massive white tiny sore outbreak like mold up my clitoral hood and surrounding flesh.... guarantee I'll not be indulging again any time soon. Not cool. It's weird for me how it creeps around. As I don't have those same issues inside anymore - only the new BO. Creepy virus. However, it's bothersome this sensitivity you speak of and I am too hoping it dissipates. As it's one thing to have herpes and another to not even have an orgasm without activating it! I wonder if I'll ever wear pretty g-strings again.... and be comfortable. Can't fathom sex - if my finger twice did this? Yikes. Even worse, I've been on drugs for it the whole time. SO... going to try a new drug or maybe I will just have to ride it out. That all said, when time is better and I feel better about all this noise, there are clinics to go to for trials. Great resources for knowledge too. And some pay. Because this is BS to have to change my entire sexual, bathing, clothing, orgasming, (trying dietary changes now) habits for soon to be 4 months! OH, and I only had chills and prodrome aches the first two BO- which for me thus far were the most mild. 3 and 4 are bitches!

So glad you posted this. I understand the flashlight and mirror routine! Wish I did not. Just giving myself an orgasm without any insertion I get an outbreak up near my clitoris from just me touching myself - WTF. Two orgasms in over 2 months and this is what I get for it. Frustrating. The autoimmune component is not touched upon much and I plan to find out more when I come up for air in the coming months. There are clinics where I'm at and studies, etc I can be part of. My doc is lame about understanding it or getting how scary it is to have HsV2 and autoimmune issues. The even scarier part is that steroids are in my future and HSV2 and steroids are a big no no.... messed up to worry about HSV2 disseminating should I go on transplant suppression meds. Even worse, they recommend stopping transplant meds is I get an outbreak - it's That Bad. That said, I agree it's all about accepting this disease and moving on. Just hard to do when not a day goes by my crotch is not uncomfortable... like putting on underwear to go for my hour plus walk - I know it will just make it worse for the whole day. And it hurts. Mental mind fuck really, but here we go!

Wait 6 weeks and get another. Fingers crossed you good to go. If not, I understand that throwing up part.... truly. Hang in there and keep watch.

None here... but you are doing all you can right now and just try to not let it get you down. I take Lysine also but am told for HSV2 it's not really an assist. Cortisone is not good - read up on steroids and HSV2. I'm going on 3 months of discomfort with drugs, so I get it. I only got vaginally and very low grade, aside from constant burning and if I could go commando and wear a skirt 24/7 I would! Hang in there - soon I hope we both celebrating having some fine sex again with a fine partner :)

I'd go see your doc and get tested for HSV2 and yeast and vaginosis - good luck!

Mil21 - thank you - I'm sorry you went through the same BS shocker. But here we go!?!

Oh yeah... January 2018 I'm definitely HSV2 positive now. Thanks for checking in - just good to read up on other's experiences and takes. Makes mine seem so very normal.... which it is and has been beyond I can't seem to kick it even with drug support.

I found out I got both HSV2 and HPV high risk in one sitting, plus precancerous issues due to the HPV - this was October 2017. I had not had sex for over 5 months and two standard annual tests I do were negative for HSV2. SO, in November when I suddenly had a tiny lesion - I freaked out. As so far none of the 3 folks I had sex with in the prior year are positive and I'm like if I've had this a while - like over 5 months, why did I not test positive and why is it suddenly here now? The only person that touched me was my GYN and me - but here I have it and testing positive. SO, I get it. You are not alone at all. It sucks. It pisses me off. It hurts as I've not been able to get rid of mine for the past 3+ months. And I do have a rare incurable disease that at some point if I have to go on steroids for my new liver HSV2 is NOT a good disease to have. So my best advice to you is study up, reach out as needed and realize that as much as it feels like the end of the world, it's not. I've not yet had the conversation with a potential lover as I cannot even fathom having sex. Just happy I can have an orgasm now without upsetting the balance of things. So hang tough and be kind to yourself. Not easy.... I know as I'm struggling with 3 incurable diseases and an immune system that is not functioning as properly as it should to boot. And, vaginal HSV2 is worse in general than Penile. So if you are young and overall healthy and male - you'll be fine. Stress is a trigger, so again... breathe through it and reach out. Lots of great support sites out there!

Excellent thread - being diagnosed at 52 while having abstained from sex for a long long time was a true shock. I also found out I have HPV and the more uncommon cervix pre-cancer issues that can come with.... yuck. Toss in an incurable disease diagnosis January, I'm freaked. As when I would love some physical touch and comfort I'm like, ewwww, I'm infected! I'm not yet comfortable enough physically, 3 months later to even think about friction sex with HSV2 - but I am encouraged by all of you brave ladies! And I love the statistics - I had no idea it was so prevalent in us "older" women or that it was not a standard STD to test for. That shocked me. Thank you!

I know that my doc said if acyclovir was not working well for me we could switch. She did not mention waiting. I take acyclovir 2x per day and going on 6 weeks of discomfort, no lesions however and it is getting slowly better. Close to wearing underwear all day and not miserable. Check with your doc and read up - but mine did not mention when I was complaining about things still being very Off for being on drugs for a couple of months straight.

Hi Username - It's so good to hear that others had a similar moment of the virus awakening. And congrats to you and your husband for handling it all with grace, so it seems. You are very fortunate as it's a huge having to deal with such an invasive, unpredictable, painful and mind-mess of virus. Not to mention the societal stigma attached to cold sores on ones genitals. I can't fathom sex even with myself for over 3 months since my first tiny little lesion appeared and I found early November - it's just that bad for me. Not the lesions, but the discomfort. Even now as I sit and type shy 1 month later ... I still have not healed from my January BO. And I take drugs daily - so, I'm sure they help in my situation, but certainly they have not "made it go away". Thank you for sharing and your experience brings a smile.

I had tickling, itching, burning that started on 1/4 - 1/6. I tested for yeast and vaginosis and both negative. This is when I realized that this Yeast type feeling was really herpes. I take acyclovir 2x per day as a suppressive and it still took a month for this particular episode to subside. When I felt it coming on, I took acyclovir 3x per day for almost 2 weeks - but finally went back to two per day as it just seemed to be on it's own path. I do not doubt that taking the suppressant helped to keep lesions at bay, as I never got any, unless inside and just didn't know, but it was never painful... just uncomfortable. I have read a LOT and talked to docs. None feel that we will build up an immunity to drugs. Of course it's an option but from my perspective and my body and autoimmune issues, I am all for taking it to assist my body in fighting. I do hope to one day not, but for now, and dealing with this virus being present almost 3 months straight pretty well set me straight. My body needs support. Another point: on acyclovir my doc gives me full option to take the drug as I need. 3x per day, 2x per day or not at all. SO, it's really up to you. My girlfriend does not take Anything and her first BO was INSANE and everywhere and very very aggressive. But she healed. Had sex and fun with her boyfriend and well, it came back but at a lesser level of insanity. Point being, we all are different. Hang in there and I hope that my words helped you to feel better about taking some support or just knowing it could last a short or long while - even almost a month later, I still feel it, but underwear is more of an option again.... commando and skirts are in - just wish the weather here would allow! lol Big Hug... I'm with you!

No lesions- just discomfort My initial discomfort was a single tiny lesion on my labia. No istching or tickling or burning. My girlfriend had them in both vagina and rectum and surrounding skin and thighs. . Better day today- just ready to feel normal again and some great orgasms to celebrate :) Your experience?

Love this thread... 2 months after being diagnosed with high risk HPV and precancerous cells on cervix and HSV2 I found out I have a rare liver disease that has no cure. The bitch is that HSV2 and steroids and immunosuppressants don't get along and can cause nasty complications down the road as my disease progresses. But the Up Side is that I am beginning to realize that "shit happens" and only I can decide how I'm to deal with it even when it's 100% out of my control. I have 4 incurable diseases and all interact in the worst of ways - This was not how I saw my 2018 starting - however, life and time don't stop and I don't plan to either. For me it is a fight and struggle and I look forward to greater Peace like many of you have begun to or have found.

It could be a yeast - but my experience is that it's herpes. I can't even touch myself without having my nerves react like a hot burn on the surface let alone put something up inside. I don't have visible lesions, however, wearing underwear or any amount of rubbing down there exacerbates the issue. I did get tested for yeast and vaginosis on 1/6 and labs said NONE. Here is it is 1/31 and I'm still feeling the tickling, burning, swelling, reddening being on Acyclovir for the last 2 months plus. Underwear is not my friend nor is a nice clitoral only orgasm I do have questions for my doc if this is what I can expect from herpes as each time I have a BO is seems to vary in type of BO and location. On another note, another gal friend was diagnosed a few months prior to myself and she gets a BO after a good romp almost every time. I know it can vary for some and not sure the ticket to getting fully well and engaging in sex - lotsa lube or not. I'd suggest getting tested for yeast and vaginosis and in the mean time, treat it like HSV. Good luck and as much as it's a time and cost sink - never assume, always get tested before medicating with anything other than HSV meds until you learn your pattern and triggers. At least this is how I plan to approach it now as it has been keeping me guessing daily since early Nov. 2017.

Actioncat - I like that image, rung after rung to climb out.... it's a rough climb out indeed. Just wearing basic clothing can now give me one - I'm all for commando, but damn to chilly for 24/7 skirts no tights or panties! lol

Has this ever happened with anyone? I am HSV2 Blood work positive now, but it was months after what my doc states was not my first BO as it is too mild for a first time in her experience. I know it's my first knowing I have this virus as going on 3 months and I still can't kick it. I also had a lot of unprotected sex with a guy early in 2017 after confirming we both clean and he still tests clean as of November - but here I am, 7 plus months later, very not so. Confusing and Frustrating as we follow the rules and Poof!