Can herpes cause a low sex drive?

[Ames969]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with herpes last year.  I have always been quite careful and have gone for many tests to make sure I am clean but then had an outbreak on the way back from holiday.  I had no idea what it was and tried to ignore it thinking it would just go away.  I eventually couldn't any longer after about 3 days as it was too painful, so went to the doctors who confirmed it was herpes.  I had no idea what it was (other than being an std) and couldn't believe it as I had not long been tested and was clean.  The doctor explained that there is no test so could have had it for years without knowing, however have since read that a blood test will pick it up.  The tests I had never involved a blood test so i guess that's why it never showed up.

Anyway I will get to the point... I'm pretty sure that since then my sex drive has been almost zero.  Does anyone know if herpes can cause a low sex drive or do you think it will be more an emotional reaction?
I am still with the same boyfriend as when i found out I had it, and think i always thought he had given it to me as he also gave me chlamydia.  I don't know if in the back of my mind that has something to do with me not wanting to have sex with him.

I never really dealt with the issue, got upset on the way home from the doctors and have never really spoken or thought about it since.  I have never had another outbreak, so try not to think about it.  

Sorry to ramble on, just my low sex drive is causing our relationship to fall apart and don't know what to do!!
Please help!

[FeelingAwful]

I have been reading up on this but I am not a professional.  I think it is a mental response that has lowered ur sex drive.  I have yet to read anywhere that says that having this skin virus lowers sex drive.  Good luck with everything girl and I wish you the best.  

[gracefromHHP]

You and your bf both need to go have type specific herpes igg blood tests done to see who has what. you can't even begin to start dealing with all of this better until you do. Once you know who has what then you can better decide what precautions to take, if any.  Since you don't sound like you have any idea if you have hsv1 or hsv2 genitally, that's why you too need more testing done.  

If there are issues in your mind about him giving you std's, you need to deal with those too!  Either see a counselor on your own or both of you go. If he just came into the relationship with stds and never knew it because he hadn't been tested, that's one thing but if you suspect infidelity too, you need to deal with that.

Will herpes cause you to have a lowered sex drive? no it does not. Having issues surrounding it all though will.  They are separate things and need dealt with individually.

grace

[Ames969]

Thanks guys, I am new to this whole medhelp thing and it is so nice to be able to ask questions without having to tell people I know!
I have booked in with a counselor to try and deal with the issues I have, and also have been to the doctor to get a blood test to make sure that i do not have a hormone imbalance or anything, he also suggested that if the blood tests come back clear I should go down the route of counseling.

Thank you again!

[blackiegoof1]

I too wonder if h lowers sex drive. I am single and have not had sex in over a year. I would certainly like too emotions get in the way.
Goodluck
s

[gracefromHHP]

emotions keep you from having sex certainly is not herpes causing you to have a lowered sex drive!

Have you talked to anyone about the feelings that are keeping you from pursuing a new romantic relationship?

grace