Herpes (genital)- how long will the pain last?

[Nowcelibate]

Name changed!

I’ve managed to contract what I’m 90% sure is herpes from a one night stand last week (I have regrets). I’m going to a sexual health clinic asap. It’s really fucking painful and annoying, probably not helped by my lichen sclerosis. The internet tells me that the initial outbreak will last 2-4 weeks. Please tell me that it’s not going to be this painful for that long? The only thing that’s helping at the moment is warm baths.

I’m a sexual health nurse and see this every day, don’t worry! Most primary outbreaks start to improve after about 5 days. If you ever have a recurrence, it will likely be far milder than the primary outbreak.

Salt water washes (1tsp salt in a pint of lukewarm water), big smear of plain Vaseline before you wee to create a barrier so your wee doesn’t burn. Also wee in the bath/shower/use a jug to pour water over while you wee. Cotton knickers (or no knickers and just air it all out!)

Drink plenty of water as diluted wee = less stingy wee. Paracetamol as required. Avoid Savlon/Sudocrem/Germolene as they are too thick and medicated, plain Vaseline is all you need.

Thanks for the advice, that’s really helpful. I think 5 days sounds much more manageable than four weeks!