Help herpes

[threelittlepiggies]

Hey everyone,

I'm v embarrassed about this but feeling very low and lonely. A few days ago I had intense vaginal itching and some sores around the clitoris. The doctor isn't sure but thinks it could be herpes and I will get the test results back next week.

I'm devastated. I'm married with children and have been with my DH for over 10 years. I have never been unfaithful and neither has he. My doctor says it can lie dormant in your system for over 10 years and that some people never even find out they have it due to no outbreaks. Therefore it will be something I either caught over 10 years ago or potentially if DH suffers from cold sore virus that I caught through oral sex unknowingly.

I am completely devastated and I feel dirty and disgusted with myself that I'm in this position. I'm just looking for some reassurance really. I've been put on aclovir tablets but I'm still itching and in discomfort. I feel so low. Does anyone else suffer? Moral support required!

Yes, it's a bit annoying and can occur when you are run down but don't feel devastated loads of adults have it, it's just not dinner party conversation. I've had it for years and get outbreaks whenever I'm worn out. Good thing you've got acyclovir it should clear up fast. Chin up and you aren't alone.

I have it. The first outbreak is always the worst one but they get less severe and less frequent as time goes on. I didn't have an outbreak for 2 years after my first one.

I get one or two sores if I am really stressed or run down but they are hardly noticable and only last a few days.

There is no point worrying about them as there is little you can do so just be kind to yourself and try not to get upset.

Wow, thank you for replying, I was bracing myself for some harsh comments. I never think other ppl will be in the same boat, that makes me feel a bit better. Good to know that the outbreaks might not be regular too, it's painful! Will I pass it on to my children eg through towels, sheets etc or is it only transmitted sexually? Also will I only be contagious during an outbreak or all of the time?

Please don't feel dirty, its more common than you think. I remember a friend years ago whispering how her friend had caught it and now had no chance of getting a boyfriend again, I told this to the gynaecological who diagnosed me, as I was in floods of tears and she said that was utterly ridiculous! I caught it very early on from DP after oral sex, he never knew he had it, he hasn't had many partners before me, but had been troubled with cold sores for years, just never gave it a second thought. Also after the initial outbreak, which was severely painful to the point were I could hardly walk or wee, I have not had a single flair up again, and that was 10 years ago. I recommend ice packs for the pain and peeing in the shower to dilute the urine.

There are some excellent threads on the subject. I've had it for 30 years. DH also has it but not from me. Doesn't need to be a big deal. Treatment is effective. Takes about 3 days to kick in. I can stop mine dead before it makes much of an appearance if I'm quick enough to recognize it coming.

Stress is bad, periods bad, getting run down bad, non cotton underwear bad, tight clothing round bottom bad.

The first time is the worse. Subsequent outbreaks hurt less. Normally always in the same exact spot.

Hope that helps a bit. Im part of the original test group for the medication you're on and its predecessor Zovirax. They are total game changers. If it's recurring you'll know your herpes best and you'll work out how to treat it best. On the other hand you may never get another out break. Good luck and chin up. You'll be ok.

can really sympathise - first outbreak is the worst but they get less frequent and less severe over time.
The test results should also tell you if it's type 1 or 2, so you know if it's oral herpes (but on your genitals) or genital herpes.

Thank you so much everyone. The doctor gave me 5 days of the tablets and I've just finished day 5 but still itching like mad. Not sure how I'm going to get through a day of this without tablets and doctor is closed today but not sure I'm allowed more as she only gave me 5 days. Thank you for all of your advice and reassurance xx

Plus as an added bonus, my threat is swollen today and agony! :-(

A walk in centre will be able to prescribe you something, they will be open today. Just google walk in centre and you'll find one that's local to you.

Thank you secret northerner

I've had it for 9 years. I forget about it mostly though mine was reoccurring. Every month after my period I got an attack and pretty much constant through my pregnancies leading to 2 sections so mine are definitely affected by my hormones. I'm on the coil now that's stopped my periods and I've only had 2 attacks in a year. It's really ok, it's just cold sores though very painful. The first attack is definitely the worst. Go and get some more tablets from a walk in clinic, they may give you a higher dose. They can also give some cream for immediate relief. In the meantime, paracetamol and warm baths help. I had to wee in the bath during my first attacks. Try to avoid alcohol, that always makes my attacks worse. Hand holding OP.

It's a sexually transmitted virus so you can't pass on through towels etc. Your children won't catch it unless you have it on your face and kiss them. Try not to worry xx

You can take the medication every single day for years as a preventative.

Your only contagious during an outbreak while you have the blisters. Once they have healed and gone your not contagious. My DP hasn't caught it and we've been together 6 years and made 2 babies!

I also usually get poorly during an outbreak. A cold, sore throat, feeling generally under the weather. It really runs me down so look after yourself

Thank you so much, I feel so shit :-( I hate that my DH could have it and it will all be my fault and I'm so annoyed with myself I had it all these years and didn't catch it. I just feel rock bottom really

I've had a breakout once. It was absolutely awful (was the worst pain I've ever had and I gave birth with no pain relief)

I could barely walk and weeing was like a million razors (had to pinch DS's peppa pig water bottle to squirt over whilst weeing to stop the pain, it's now been binned!)

DH was understanding but didn't really understand how painful it was until I cried in ikea because I just couldn't walk anymore

Touch wood, I've only had it once but I do hear that the first time is the worst. Hope you're feeling better soon OP

Thank you Mrs Pringle! The peppa pig water bottle made me giggle :-)

Hope you feel better soon. Also bicarb baths help.

Why on earth are you ashamed of yourself? It's also far more
Likely that he gave it to you since you are the one having the outbreak.
It's really not a big deal, especially since you're married so unlikely to have to negotiate dating with it!
I have had it 10 years and rarely get a breakout these days.

Today 07:22 HariboBrenshnio

Your only contagious during an outbreak while you have the blisters. Once they have healed and gone your not contagious. My DP hasn't caught it and we've been together 6 years and made 2 babies

Not true. You can shed viral cells with no symptoms (as the OP's husband probably did) and your DH may well have it with no symptoms. No way of knowing.

Goodness Galla, thank you for that info! DP has never slept with anyone before me so I'm guessing it's definitely me that's the problem :-( I have no idea why I'm feeling such immense shame but I am!

If he's ever given you oral sex he could have passed it on that way. When the swab results come back it will tell you if it's type one or 2. Type one is usually facial. Many people get cold sores which is essentially the same thing.

So does type one mean I got it from a mouth and type two mean it's from genitals? Sorry to be dim!

Type one is usually on the face
Type two is usually on the genitals
Both types can infect on the face or genitals.
There is lots of information on the web. When I was diagnosed I googled a lot.

Ah ok, I know I've got it on the genitals!