Genital Herpes: Useful info for those looking for answers like me!

Recurrences are nearly always *much* milder, so take comfort in that! If you have Type 1, the first outbreak can be harsh, but then you'll hardly have recurrences again (very rare to have lots with Type 1). If Type 2, like what I have, recurrences are more often, but usually mild. My own recurrences are just one lesion that only hurts to touch, and which clears in a week or less. No other symptoms or issues.

Doctor took my test today and I've to phone on Tuesday. I guess I'll find out then what type it is. Is type 1 not only oral or caught from oral? As I don't have cold sores.

I *suspect* you have a very bad case of Type 1 genital herpes. Different people, different immune systems/responses, different first outbreaks, unfortunately.

You've made me feel a lot better. I read that causes can be stress and illness. I've just moved abroad for university which as you can imagine is very stressful, and I'm also fighting another infection at the moment so maybe this is why it is so bad. What makes you think it's type 1?

Type 1 is usually oral but can also be genital, and is spread via oral sex. Did you receive oral sex about a week before the outbreak? I am guessing Type 1 because of its severity (worse first outbreak, but better to have otherwise; see the above info), plus you are young and presumably your last partner was of a similar age to you. Type 2 is less common amongst younger folk. Glad to have eased your fears, try to relax though easier said than done, and have faith that you will ride out this nasty first outbreak!

Yes but would kissing not mean I got cold sores aswell?

Herpes works in mysterious ways sometimes, and that's one of them! Some people kiss and receive oral sex from an infected partner, yet only break out below the belt, which is the less preferred site. Could such individuals (including you) have acquired it orally as well? It's possible, but it's also possible for it to remain completely asymptomatic there, even though that's the preferred site.

This is so strange. I just want the pain to go away, I'm just sitting on the couch and I'm getting pain. I don't know if it's healing or if it's getting worse.

A second crop of lesions sometimes occurs with the first outbreak after a week, just fyi, and the meds only do so much depending on how soon you started them (and even then, they have varying impact on the first outbreak). For pain, you can try topical lidocaine and/or take regular oral paracetamol/acetaminophen.

I was wondering why you think it's type 1 I have as everything I've read has stars the outbreak for type 1 is less severe?

Not necessarily so with the first outbreak, plus other people's experiences on here and your age.

Everything I've read is telling me different things! I can deal with the fact I have it, it's just the pain I don't want to experience all the time! I have a feeling stress is my trigger but I get extremely stressed a lot especially with just moving to a new country and especially when exams come around, so if I asked the doctor would they put me on suppressive therapy for this?

Your doctor may or may not. Depends where you are. US, it's possible. UK, unlikely. It's not suggested for genital Type 1, however, so I wouldn't. Why take 1-2 pills of a drug (not a vitamin or supplement) every day if you don't actually need to? Also, it won't be nearly so bad once your body adjusts, yet you won't know that if you go straight on the meds. I think you are panicking because of the severity of your first outbreak. Another lady on here had 20 lesions just recently, too, first outbreak, Type 1. You're not alone. Stress is only a possible trigger when intense and prolonged, so not your typical stress, but if you think that it is, then even more reason to try and relax! Recurrences are usually very mild, barely noticeable if you're lucky.

I've rolled up toilet roll and put it in between to stop my blisters rubbing together and it's the best thing I've done. I can actually leave the house now! I am trying to relax but being in another country all alone and starting a new uni and having to miss the whole first week due to this is a stressful thing to go through!! That's why I'm on here so much I just want someone to talk to about it.

Feel free to PM me on here, if you like, but do read through the above posts and links I submitted to this thread. Lots of info there that should answer most key questions.