Probiotics and HSV (Women)

[ash128083]

This one is for the ladies. To make a long story short: after a horrible year of outbreaks (had genital hsv for about 10yes and was on acyclovir with NO outbreaks for 8 years then all of a sudden BAM, horrible monthly internal outbreaks) I switched my meds to 1g of valacyclovir. While it did seem to help I’ve felt that the prodrome symptoms are almost constant. A few months ago I started taking Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance Probiotics which also promotes vaginal health. I swear the months where I religiously take these I feel so much better down below. Idk if it’s all in my head or not but I would suggest any women with genital hsv to add these to your regimen and see if it helps. Anyone have insight on this? 

[Cheer123]

I'm ordering vh essentials probiotics today! I'll keep you updated once it gets in my system.

[Cwgrl100]

Thank you for the advice! I’ll pick some up tomorrow and give it a try

[_a_rayofsunshine_]

I take garden of life raw vaginal probiotics & it’s great at keeping usual vag issues away. As far as hsv related i take l-lsyine 1000mg daily. If i stop, i usually end up with an outbreak. 

[Jck84]

I’ve just ordered lysine 1000mg. I haven’t had an outbreak in a year and I don’t take any meds or vitamins but this OB is almost as bad as my first! Will the lysine help? I’ve also bought Melissa extract and propolis vitamins...has anyone heard anything good about these? I’m also using coconut oil to ease the pain of the sores. 

[ash128083]

@Jck84 honestly idk if lysine helps or not, I take 2-4000mg of it a day along with antivirals and I feel like I’m in constant discomfort 😒

[Jck84]

@ash128083 I had tonsillitis last week and I think this maybe triggered the OB. I’ve had H for 2 years and haven’t had an OB in a long time so I almost forget I have it. So I’m still learning I guess and feel quite clueless still. I’m hoping after this OB I won’t get one again for a while but this is like the first OB. It’s totally drained me. Constant discomfort...I don’t know what I’d do.

[ash128083]

@Jck84 maybe call your dr for a course of antivirals...I’m currently sick right now too and feel like I’m about to have one, I’ve had this for about 10 years and it’s worse than ever and I don’t know why :/

[makepeacewithit]

I am really happy to see this discussion, I've only recently discovered the important role vaginal flora plays, and I now believe recent a ghsv-1 outbreak, UTIs, and overall discomfort issues could be linked to antibotics I had to take for other issues in the last year. As I'm older and going through menopause I also have to be very concerned about maintaining proper vaginal pH, and I'm hopeful that restoring flora and finding pH balance will help me avoid future H outbreaks!

[Cheer123]

Update: I've been taking the vh essentials for almost 2 months and stopped taking the Valtrex. I have had way less outbreaks and I haven't been eating the best lately so I am surprised.  I think the probiotic  is really helping. And it's super cheap on amazon 

[Cwgrl100]

I’ve been taking Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance since the OP posted it and I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, but I’ve only had one real outbreak due to stress (my little dog/family member is missing). The irritation I experienced often has really calmed down and is barely existent, and my outbreaks I got 7/10 after sex have now decreased to  2/10. I’m not on Valtrex either. I don’t want to jinx it but I think probiotics are so helpful!

[yellowbird43]

Im just so paranoid about bv smell, I dont know if boric acid and probiotic are working or not