Clueless

[Gypsy86]

Sorry if this is TMI, I don’t know how this works!! I just found out I had HSV-2 and I am assuming it is from my current boyfriend (we just had sex for the first time 2 weeks ago). I had a blister type sore on my vagina lip and there was an open sore near the urethra. I went to the doctor because I didn’t know what was happening and the results came back HSV-2. She prescribed an antiviral and it doesn’t hurt to walk anymore. I’ve read articles about a scab-type process during the healing and I don’t have that but the sore on the lip is gone (it opened and healed up) and now it looks like regular skin. Does that mean it is still in the healing process or because of the location it didn’t scab? After the first outbreak when was the next one? How did you guys decide to either take the medication all the time to suppress it versus only taking if there is an outbreak? Unfortunately I can’t determine what symptoms I had during this outbreak besides the pain/sores because I was diagnosed with COVID-19 the same week!! Any help is appreciated! 

[Flowerteacher55]

Hi @Gypsy86!

I am so sorry that you are stressed, and for getting HSV and COVID in the same week! When I had my first outbreak I had a sinus infection and my period at the same time and it was not fun! I hope you are feeling better ❤️ 

In regards to your HSV-2: it sounds like it is most likely from your current boyfriend because the timeline adds up. Did he get a blood test and is he aware of your outbreak? 

Antiviral medication works wonders. It can speed up the healing process for current sores and prevents the virus from shedding to produce more sores. The typical healing process, as you described, is the presentation of the sores, then the sores having a whitish or shiny head that oozes, then these crust over, eventually forming a scab that falls off, leaving new skin. Although the sore you mentioned didn't scab, it seems like the sore has healed because there is the presentation of new skin. 

genital HSV-2 can reoccur any time, and because this is your first outbreak you haven't had time to be familiar with any prodrome symptoms (the symptoms that occur to let you know you are about to have an outbreak). However, just monitor how you feel in general down there. Take notice of any tingling, itching, burning, etc. 

Suppressive medication is helpful for those who experience regular outbreaks or those who are in a long-term relationship where their partner and them don't want/need to wear an internal or external condom. Just as with any medication, it is hypothetically possible to still transmit the HSV-2 to your partner while on suppressive medication, but it is highly unlikely. If your partner already has HSV-2 (he should get an IgG blood test to see) you wouldn't need to be on high alert about transmitting it to him, since he already has it! While it is very unlikely to get oral HSV-2 if you already have genital HSV-2, it is still hypothetically possible (but unlikely as your body already has the antibodies for it).

However, please know that suppressive medication isn't just about sex, as suppressive medication can help YOU feel better in general, especially if the outbreaks occur regularly or affect your quality of life or daily functioning. If you want to see what your outbreaks are going to be like for the future, maybe wait until the next few outbreaks and track how far apart they occur, potential triggers, prodrome symptoms, etc.  If you want to find out more about suppressive medication, talk to your doctor. If prescription cost is a worry for the suppressive medication or the antiviral medication in general, you can get a larger-volume prescription amount and still pay the same co-pay! 

I hope this helps!  

Sending happiness and positive energy your way! ❤️ 🙂 

[Gypsy86]

Thanks for the information @Flowerteacher55! He said he’s going to make an appointment with his doctor as well. If he has it too should we both take the medication? I’m worried about oral sex and getting it on my mouth. I made another appointment to speak with my doctor next week about my options. I’m scared to get another outbreak because this one was so painful so I think I may go straight on the medication. Have you heard if people were getting bad side effects from the meds?

 

[Flowerteacher55]

Hi!! 

If you both have it, you can take the medication if you'd like, but it honestly doesn't matter. You both have antibodies (yay!) which help protect you from contracting the HSV in your mouth. 

If either of you experience consistent outbreaks that cause pain or really bother you, then taking supressive medication can really help. But, taking the medication to prevent the spread to either of you wouldn't really be necessary. 

This all being said, you can hypothetically still contract HSV-2 orally, but it is VERY unlikely. You both have antibodies. 

In terms of painful outbreaks, the first one is usually the most intense and painful, so it is very likely your next outbreak (if you have one) will be less painful, have less sores, and be less scary. However, you can wait and see what you next few outbreaks are like. 

Supressive medication can really really help, as it reduces outbreaks by genital herpes outbreaks by 70-80%, according to the CDC. There are possible side effects from taking any of the antiviral medications, so if you are worried about them ask your doctor. Typical Valtrex side effects include dizziness, nausea, tiredness, depression, and more. Also, if you have any underlying health conditions or take medicine for other things you would want to talk to your doctor about that. Apparently NSAIDS can interact with Acyclovir and other antivirals, too, so be aware that taking a daily suppressent will impact other things, too. Wow. Pharmacology is so bizarre yet interesting!!! Sorry to spew all these random facts! 

Regardless, just know we are here for you ❤️. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask!!! 

Sending happiness your way!!! 🌄🌼🦋❤️

 

[Gypsy86]

Thank you!

[Bettyrubble]

Hi! New here. Just like you @Gypsy86 I just received the news that I’m HSV2 positive last week and can’t seem to figure out my “triggers.” I’ve read so many things in this forum in which will be helpful, and everyone seems so knowledgeable! I don’t have much to say except you’re not alone, and I’m thinking this page will be a lot of help. 

[Flowerteacher55]

Hi, @Bettyrubble!! 

Welcome to the forum 🌻!

Please know you aren't alone, and that we are all here to support you. If you have any questions or need support, don't be afraid to post. There are so many wonderful people on this forum!! If you would prefer private 1:1 support, feel free to direct message me anytime. 

Sending you happy healing thoughts and good vibes!! 🌄🌼🦋

-- Grace

[Sumshine]

Hi! It's extremely rare to get hvs2 orally.. I'm mean, the risk is something like 1%. 

[Gypsy86]

@Bettyrubble this forum has been so helpful! I decided to take valtrex daily since I’m in a relationship and want to try to reduce the OBs. Also I got l-lysine and have been taking that for a few days. I’m praying I’ll be a lucky one and don’t get many OBs!