Got Herpes Losing My Virginity

Posted , 2 users are following.

I lost my virginity to a girl last week and now I have genital herpes. I'm scared to death right now, I've already read up a lot, but it hasn't helped a lot. Not sure what I should do.

1. I'm scared of taking a shower as it's the primary infection and can spread anywhere. What do you guys recommend? Is it okay if I wait till the primary infection passes over to bathe?

2. What are the real HSV 1 and HSV 2 statistics in United States? I've read a few different sources and they all say things differently. 

3. I live with my parents and really don't want to tell them as it'll freak them out and give them stress. We have a common laundry bucked and a lot of times my parents do the laundry. Is there a chance I might pass it on to them? I know that the herpes virus only survives 10 seconds outside the body? 

P.S. - I'm so utterly scared right now :'(

 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    First, don't panic! How were you diagnosed with herpes and which type do you have? If you have not been officially diagnosed by a swab test and currently have lesions, get tested asap. You probably have gHSV1, based on your presumed age, which is the better genital herpes to have.

    Around two-thirds of the population carry HSV1 somewhere on their bodies, usually orally and often without symptoms. HSV2 is nearly always genital and in the US, it's around one in every five, so they say.

    Showering and shared laundry is fine. Herpes does not last long outside of the body and is quickly destroyed by soap and water. Just don't rub or scratch a lesion then rub your eyes, etc., immediately afterwards without properly washing your hands.

    • Posted

      Thank you FelisCatus. I will be getting the bloodtest done at week 4 to see what type I have. I have read about medications to control break outs, but not sure if I want to take those as they have side-effects. What do you suggest regarding this? Is the trade-off worth it?
    • Posted

      Is it too late for you to do the swab test? Because that is the most accurate. The IgG antibody test (don't do IgM; it's not reliable) is best done at 3 months post-exposure. At one month or less, it's mostly good for establishing baseline purposes only.

      The daily suppressive meds are not typically required for gHSV1, unless you are in the unfortunate minority who gets frequent outbreaks. gHSV1 typically does not recur very often and is far less infectious than gHSV2. So, regarding daily meds, it largely depends on the type you have. I suspect you have gHSV1. Did you receive oral sex on the same occasion?

    • Posted

      I haven't done the swab test. Can that be done at home? 

      I see, I hope it's gHSV1. Yeah, I did recieve oral from her. I have so much regret, but i guess i need to let that go as soon as possible and move on. 

       

    • Posted

      No, a clinic needs to do it, but it loses accuracy with time. If your lesions are already healing, it's probably too late. The newer the lesions, the better, as more virus is present. A late swab test can turn out a false negative.

    • Posted

      I was thinking of getting tested via online services like Healthlabs and they don't offer a swab test. Do you think it's best to just go to my physician instead?

      How should I deal with this psychologically? It's has put a really heavy strain on me. 

    • Posted

      Go see a doctor for a swab test. If it's gHSV1, take comfort in the fact that most people carry it, and that having it orally is more potentially infectious than having it genitally (which is how you likely acquired it if gHSV1).

    • Posted

      Makes sense, thank you for the advice. I'll keep you posted on how all this goes, truly appreciate your help.

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