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

Haha, no problem. I'm no prude.

First off, ask about the type, as it does matter. gHSV1 is less frequently recurring, less infectious and less risky to have, so it is good to know what you're up against. I hope your doctor did HSV type-specific tests like the CDC and experts recommend. Also, you should find out the type of blood test performed on you and your partner. Only the IgG antibody test is advised. The IgM test is unreliable and inaccurate for herpes.

The problem with herpes is that it can shed and transmit without symptoms. Obviously, it is far more infectious during an actual outbreak, but that is by no means the only time it can pass. Most new infections are acquired from asymptomatic shedding.

Kissing mouth to mouth if you only have it genitally is not an issue. Just touching the genitals should be fine without symptoms, but rubbing skin to skin could be an issue if shedding (watch out for self-infection elsewhere, like the eyes, during the first 4 months). Receiving oral (regardless of pre-ejaculate or finishing) is generally less risky for a negative partner than intercourse, but that may depend on HSV type to an extent.

Please note that gHSV2 increases your risk of acquiring HIV by 2-4 times with or *without* sores, whereas gHSV1 does not (only when there are sores due to compromised skin). Thought I should point that out. See my post in this thread for more info and links on that. It is thus important to know your type for various reasons!

I had 2 tests done with blood samples and they were both IgG. Both came back negative but I'm told it's because they were done so early on. I believe I contracted HSV in mid October. The symptoms appeared about 5-6 days later. I had the blood work done about 9 days after initial contact.

I already sent a note to my doctor asking if it was determined which kind of HSV it is, but have not received a response yet. From my research, since the blood work was negative so early on, that's why I need to go back in January for more work to determine which kind it specifically is.

Now, I know this isn't going to be the tell-all about what type I got, but I don't ever receive anal, so to get it down there is rather weird.

Yes, that is too soon to tell anything, other than that you were previously negative. Were you swabbed as well? If so, that should have been typed, so hopefully your doctor can get back to you regarding type. Fyi, swab tests are always preferable over blood tests in those with a first outbreak or lesions.

For itching, you can try diluted tea tree oil (not neat). Feels cool and refreshing, is antiseptic, and reduces itching. Sorry you joined the club, by the way.

Sorry to hear that. Were you confirmed by swab, and are you currently on acyclovir or valacyclovir for your first outbreak? The meds help to a degree, otherwise the main thing is to get rest and stay otherwise healthy, whilst keeping the area clean and dry. Epsom salt sitz baths and topical zinc oxide and diluted tea tree oil can all help. If you are not on the meds, topical acyclovir may help (but not necessary if you are on the meds). Ointment for first outbreaks, cream for recurrences.

Going forwards, taking a multivitamin, fish oils and vitamin c are good for all-round health. Lysine and other supplements are not clinically proven by enough large-scale studies in people, but should you take any, just read up the drug interactions on WebMD and take note of those that may put stress on your kidneys/liver, especially if you are on daily suppressive therapy.

Regarding the latter, it is safe to take the meds on a daily basis long-term, just keep up your water intake as per the patient leaflet. If you are not in a discordant relationship and don't plan on having sex anytime soon, then I would personally not go on daily suppressive therapy until I had a better idea of my own outbreak frequency and severity, warning signs, healing time, etc. You may find it unnecessary (as was the case with me). It is usually only prescribed for those with very frequent or troubling outbreaks, or those with negative partners. Hope that helps!

I was confirmed by swab. I'm not on any medication as of now but am calling my DR in the am to began anti vitals just to get over this (my first) outbreak. I want to go about treating this as natural as possible, without any antiviral meds, I'm just terrified that I will have another outbreak. Not to mention that I started my cycle yesterday and I feel that if made it spread more. It took two weeks for me to develop symptoms so I it safe to say that I might not have frequent outbreaks going forward?

The oral meds may do little to help at this point, unfortunately, as they need to be started asap to have any degree of effectiveness. I was just curious if you were on the meds already. Perhaps you can try the acyclovir ointment instead. Should be OTC, as it's for cold sores. If no ointment, then the cream, which is handy for recurrences. Works for me and some others on here.

There are no studies that I'm aware of regarding time to first outbreak and frequency of recurrences, and I have not seen anything about this generally, so it likely has no or little bearing. Severity of the first outbreak also has no bearing, fyi. There was a study that showed a relationship between lengthy first outbreaks (over 4 weeks, if I recall correctly) and increased frequency, however.

Can you recommend any daily supplements I should purchase? Or anything you can recommend would be helpful.

Honestly, I now only take multivitamins, fish oils and extra vitamin c, sometimes zinc, for herpes. You can certainly try lysine, as others swear by it despite the lack of clinical proof. A lot of folk also like olive leaf extract, lemon balm, etc. The main thing with herpes is to keep your whole body healthy, as when you're ill or run down, outbreaks can occur (and can still occur for other reasons, I should add). I have also adopted a healthier lifestyle in general.

It's impossible to say without a swab test. That is rather quick for a first outbreak of herpes to heal, however. Usually, it takes a good couple of weeks from first signs to total clearance, even 3 weeks for some people.

My doctor seemed unsure, and had the swab kit ready but said he didn't need to use it... He prescribed me Acyclovir and Ciprofloxacin together.. Also one pill of a yeast medicine.. And the 2nd to 3rd day I started the meds, I took that Yeast pill and it cleared up almost instantly.. The bumps were more sensitive at touch rather than painful.. So I'm lead to believe it was some kind of bacterial infection after having a bleeding Bowel movement.. Waiting the 3 month span to have the igG test... He said, after looking at me, "we're going to clear this up and it may never come back." 😐😣