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HSV2 - Not typical symptoms
Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed (positive swab) with herpes (type 2) over a year ago (September 2013). Last sexual contact prior to that was in May 2013 so had to have contracted it at least 4 months previously, if not before. I had a lot of redness and irritation around my vulva and a tingling feeling in my butt cheeks (there was no anal sex). Then I came out in what appeared to be a papercut looking lesion that I thought I had accidently done myself while cleaning in the shower. This was cultured and came back positive for hsv 2. The nurse at the sexual health clinic was surprised as she said it did not look like a herpes lesion at all. Anywho, it's been over a year now and I'm still getting constant redness and irritation. The tingling is in my butt cheeks almost daily. I have tried being on suppressive (acyclovir) for a month but the irritation and itching doesn't stop, it slightly helps with the tingly, prickly feeling but not completely. Have went to a new clinic who have told me to stay on acyclovir for 3 months to see if it helps, I'm currently one month in but no big difference. Have been tested for all other std's, bv, thrush, and was also prescribed hydrocortison in case it was exzema. Was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on what this could be? I have read online about post herpes nerve damage which is scaring the life out of me. I find it impossible to tell when I'm having an outbreak as it's just this constant irritation, almost a burny feeling, and itching. The tingling is only really in my buttcheeks, not normally in my vagina at all. Surely this couldn't be a constant outbreak for 18 months? Any ideas at all would be really appreciated. Thanks.
I was diagnosed (positive swab) with herpes (type 2) over a year ago (September 2013). Last sexual contact prior to that was in May 2013 so had to have contracted it at least 4 months previously, if not before. I had a lot of redness and irritation around my vulva and a tingling feeling in my butt cheeks (there was no anal sex). Then I came out in what appeared to be a papercut looking lesion that I thought I had accidently done myself while cleaning in the shower. This was cultured and came back positive for hsv 2. The nurse at the sexual health clinic was surprised as she said it did not look like a herpes lesion at all. Anywho, it's been over a year now and I'm still getting constant redness and irritation. The tingling is in my butt cheeks almost daily. I have tried being on suppressive (acyclovir) for a month but the irritation and itching doesn't stop, it slightly helps with the tingly, prickly feeling but not completely. Have went to a new clinic who have told me to stay on acyclovir for 3 months to see if it helps, I'm currently one month in but no big difference. Have been tested for all other std's, bv, thrush, and was also prescribed hydrocortison in case it was exzema. Was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on what this could be? I have read online about post herpes nerve damage which is scaring the life out of me. I find it impossible to tell when I'm having an outbreak as it's just this constant irritation, almost a burny feeling, and itching. The tingling is only really in my buttcheeks, not normally in my vagina at all. Surely this couldn't be a constant outbreak for 18 months? Any ideas at all would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Sorry I am only seeing this reply now, but thank you so much for getting back to me Grace. I am going to continue the three month dose of suppressive therapy just in case it starts helping, if not will take your advice about seeing a neurologist. Thank you again!
we have studies that show that folks shed about the same regardless of how many recurrences they have. Folks shed about the same whether you have 0-10 recurrences in a year.
we also have studies that show that other factors go into how often you'll have recurrences like your genes and chronic inflammatory markers. It's really more than just "keeping healthy" unfortunately.
we also have studies that show that other factors go into how often you'll have recurrences like your genes and chronic inflammatory markers. It's really more than just "keeping healthy" unfortunately.
hmm i'm not totally sure but that''s what my mind likes to believe..... It is your immune system that battles the virus, so why not give it extra soldiers to keep the virus inactive? And if the virus is inactive no lesions would occur and I think the shedding will be less also. What do you think ?
actually that isn't very accurate information. The strength of your immune system isn't directly correlated as to if you will get obvious lesions or not. also the virus still sheds even when obvious lesions aren't present which is important to remember.
always a good thing to drink plenty of water and work out :)
always a good thing to drink plenty of water and work out :)
Do you eat healthy ? How well is your immune system , I would suggest boosting up your immune system... eat eggs ( not cooked ) , drink water , workout. Maybe it will help you. Remember if your immune system is strong, you will not even get outbreaks !
is this likely to be herpes nerve damage? no it is not. Thankfully herpes really doesn't cause those shorts of symptoms like shingles does (another herpes family virus ).
Sometimes we gals get symptoms like this. It can be from products we use like detergents and soaps and it can also be from other issues like back injuries and tailbone issues. Everything is closely related below our waists so sometimes figuring out what is going on isn't easy. It sounds like your providers have covered the usual bases of testing and have ruled out the common causes like vaginitis. If it's mostly tingling in the buttocks, time to see a neurologist. they can determine if you have other issues going on and suggest some non-herpes medications. Meanwhile make sure your pants aren't tight on the waist area ( lower riding jeans can actually cause nerve damage ) and make sure you aren't sitting for long periods at a time.
best of luck!!!
Sometimes we gals get symptoms like this. It can be from products we use like detergents and soaps and it can also be from other issues like back injuries and tailbone issues. Everything is closely related below our waists so sometimes figuring out what is going on isn't easy. It sounds like your providers have covered the usual bases of testing and have ruled out the common causes like vaginitis. If it's mostly tingling in the buttocks, time to see a neurologist. they can determine if you have other issues going on and suggest some non-herpes medications. Meanwhile make sure your pants aren't tight on the waist area ( lower riding jeans can actually cause nerve damage ) and make sure you aren't sitting for long periods at a time.
best of luck!!!
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
