Cyclical Outbreaks

I have HSV2 diagnosed in November 2009. I had outbreaks beginning about June 2008, though I can't say for sure that is when I contracted herpes.

I have had an out break, ulilateral on my right buttock, about every 30 days beginning this past November. I take Valtrex (500 g?) 2x a day for 3 days. The blisters clear up pretty quickly, I also use Zovirax cream to help with the itching.

My partner does not take any medication and has not had a formal test, though he has a high white cell count in his blood work. He does have 'bumps' on his penis, but they never seem to go away.

I'm wondering if outbreaks every 30 days or so is common, or is there possibly something else going on? Is there a long term concerns for me to worry about, that my body is fighting a virus so often.

And, in the case of my partner, shouldn't his herpes lesions clear up, and not be there all the time?

Thanks for your advice.

[gracefromHHP]

some folks do have frequent recurrences.  at this point you should be taking daily suppressive therapy to prevent them if they bother you.  You can do this cheapest with acyclovir though if you have decent prescription insurance, you can do it most convenient with once daily valtrex. Since you are having more than 9 ob's a year, it's recommended that you use the 1gm daily dose.  

definitely your partner needs tested to find out if transmission is an issue or not. bumps that are there all the time aren't due to herpes though.  

If you still are getting ob's monthly while on suppressive therapy, see your provider or a dermatologist for a more thorough work up.

grace

[cmaf]

Thank you. This forum is so helpful for these detailed questions.