Newly diagnosed, I’m so lost

Posted , 4 users are following.

I only just found out I am positive for genital HSV-1 after 1.5 year prior to my first outbreak (probably from my ex) and a false diagnosis.

So my health advisor told me I only had to take Acyclovir during my outbreaks and can resume my normal sex routine once I healed up. I started enquiring him with what i read online but he told me not to believe what i see on the internet yet he never mentioned that i could shed asymptomatic and transmit it without symptoms since it spreads via skin-to-skin contact???

I've disclosed it to my current partner and he is aware of my diagnosis. I'm so confused and worried about transmitting it to my current partner but we were already sexually active (unprotected) before I even found out about my HSV1- probably too late now. He still wants to have sex but I've been abstaining from it and since the sores i had previously are on the external parts of my vagina, how can i possibly avoid transmitting it even with a condom on?

I have been consuming Acyclovir daily to prevent any outbreaks as I'm super depressed and stressed up about everything. Is it okay to consume Acyclovir daily or am I supposed to only take it when I have outbreaks as told by my health advisor?

My vulva also tends to get itchy and prickly when I'm ovulating, does that mean an outbreak is coming?

It's devastating to know that I will have to live with this for the rest of my life and I want to educate myself further but I'm so lost and confused with what is true??? Help me please.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Edited

    I know how you feel. when I was diagnosed with hsv1 I was devastated. however I've come to terms with it now. female to male transmission is much less common than male to female. you can take Acyclovir daily as suppressive therapy if you get 6+ outbreaks a year. or if it causes your mental health to suffer. so if it gives reassurance, go to the doctors and demand suppressive therapy for your mental health!!

    asymptomatic shedding does happen, but from what I understand is rare if you have infrequent outbreaks

    regardless outbreaks will reduce over time. my experience is I've definitely known when I have an outbreak. mine initially was genitally, but I've recently had 2x outbreaks anally. apparently this is common, something to do with the space between nerves and skin surface. also I had anal fissures which I strongly believe bought on outbreaks.

    try lisine supplements daily. I take zinc too. and the best thing you can do - get in touch with these guys > https://herpes.org.uk/

    they have been life savers. so reassuring!

    get yourself some lomaherpen from their website. some people use it daily and it can prevent outbreaks, or if you feel one coming on put it on the site and it can stop the outbreaks being bad or occurring at all

    if your partner is understanding then try to worry less. if he isnt, he is unreasonable

    but it sounds like he is.

    if you have any outbreaks, salt bath!! I've recently tried a few drops of tea tree in milk in a bath (Just enough milk to fill one of those gu ramekins with tea tree mixed in. its so soothing!! vaseline helps too. it's gonna be fine. you've has this for 1.5 years already and not known so I'm guessing this recent one was your second outbreak? not bad going! so I imagine outbreaks are rare for you but take good care of yourself stay healthy and you should be okay!

    its s**t, but it isn't the end of the world. if you had facial cold sores you wouldn't think twice. that's all it is

    dm me if you need to talk ❤️

    • Posted

      Omg thank you for your reply, it really helped me in the midst of all the worrying thoughts I have!! I'll definitely try the supplements and the suppressive therapies and treatments if i ever have another outbreak. I'm still trying to take precaution and understand how my body is like and not knowing when an outbreak is coming is really frustrating ): But nonetheless, I appreciate it a lot!!! Thank you ❤❤❤

  • Edited

    I was too just like this, me and my partner are sexually active. The daily antivirals and condoms has the chance of giving it to him slim to none but if you have been with him for years and just found out he more than likely gave it to you. Good luck honey!

    • Posted

      Thank you for the reply!!! Its really assuring to know that i'm not alone 😃 Thank you love!

  • Edited

    Hi..I get really itchy around inside my vulva and my vagina too around my period. It just seem like ANY AND EVERY activity that goes on down there causes the itching and burning...whether its using a tampon, having protected sex, shaving, no matter what activity it its going to cause the burning and itching. I do take Lysine...you can get it at Walmart or Walgreens and that always seems to heal things quicker. Just want you to know you are not alone. Right here with ya girl! Hopefully we can get some answers on here. I'm super grateful to be here.

    Sarah

    • Posted

      Thank you Sarah!!! 😂 all the thoughts really made me a little crazy and i can't help but overthink and worry. Imma go get some of those recommend Lysine supplements asap!! I'm grateful to be here too. I appreciate your words, a lot!!! Thank you babe!!

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.