Aa
Interested in your opinion
Hello,
I have had hsv 1 orally for many years. I am a married, 30 year old female. Within the last year, I started getting symptoms genitally. I think that I might have had a primary outbreak on the crevice of my buttocks. At the time, I thought it was a rash that turned into dry skin, due to winter months or underwear irritation. Since then, I have had constant irritation vaginally as well as some anal itching. Vaginally, I have had mostly itching, as well as a change in discharge and occasional pain with intercourse. I went to the doctor, assuming I had BV or a yeast infection. After a full panel of screening, my pap came back normal.
I have kept a close watch in that area. I think I have had two recurring outbreaks. They looked like razor burn, 10-12 sporatic red spots in the bikini area, not clustered. I also felt feverish with them. None of my symptoms have been anything like a cold sore, which I am very familiar with. I haven't had anything on the actual vagina. Also, I have all-over body itching. I don't know if it's from the extreme anxiety over the situation or a symptom of herpes. Would gshv1 affect the rest of my body differently than if I already had hsv1 orally? Also, would hsv2 affect the rest of my body differently than hsv1 if I have somehow aquired it?
I would be convinced that I had ghsv, and maybe I do, but I don't think constant itching correlates with herpes symptoms. The only explanation that I can come up with is that I'm having continuous outbreaks. However, I don't show visual representation of that. I know it's unlikely to pass one type to another part of the body. I went back to the doctor with these concerns, she told me that I don't have herpes. I now have an appt for blood work.
I took valtrex to see if they vaginal sympoms would go away and sure enough, they did. Would valtrex supress any other type of infection, or is that a sure sign that I have ghsv?
Thank you so much!
I have had hsv 1 orally for many years. I am a married, 30 year old female. Within the last year, I started getting symptoms genitally. I think that I might have had a primary outbreak on the crevice of my buttocks. At the time, I thought it was a rash that turned into dry skin, due to winter months or underwear irritation. Since then, I have had constant irritation vaginally as well as some anal itching. Vaginally, I have had mostly itching, as well as a change in discharge and occasional pain with intercourse. I went to the doctor, assuming I had BV or a yeast infection. After a full panel of screening, my pap came back normal.
I have kept a close watch in that area. I think I have had two recurring outbreaks. They looked like razor burn, 10-12 sporatic red spots in the bikini area, not clustered. I also felt feverish with them. None of my symptoms have been anything like a cold sore, which I am very familiar with. I haven't had anything on the actual vagina. Also, I have all-over body itching. I don't know if it's from the extreme anxiety over the situation or a symptom of herpes. Would gshv1 affect the rest of my body differently than if I already had hsv1 orally? Also, would hsv2 affect the rest of my body differently than hsv1 if I have somehow aquired it?
I would be convinced that I had ghsv, and maybe I do, but I don't think constant itching correlates with herpes symptoms. The only explanation that I can come up with is that I'm having continuous outbreaks. However, I don't show visual representation of that. I know it's unlikely to pass one type to another part of the body. I went back to the doctor with these concerns, she told me that I don't have herpes. I now have an appt for blood work.
I took valtrex to see if they vaginal sympoms would go away and sure enough, they did. Would valtrex supress any other type of infection, or is that a sure sign that I have ghsv?
Thank you so much!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You're welcome
Terri
Terri
Yes, I will let you know!
I appreciate your continued support. This forum has been very helpful! If I can ever recommend it, I definitely will!
Thank you again!
I appreciate your continued support. This forum has been very helpful! If I can ever recommend it, I definitely will!
Thank you again!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It would be very good to rule out HSV 2. Then you can relax about herpes. Let me know how your test results for HSV 2 come out, OK?
Terri
Terri
Ok, I will chill out about the HSV 1 then. We have just worried about passing it genitally for so long, and then I started having genital symptoms....It's nice to know that you don't think GHSV 1 either way.
I guess I have been going through a narrowing down process. The only option left that I can come up with would be HSV 2, assuming my gyno tested me for everything else already. It had made the least amount of sense, but after ruling out HSV1, it seems like it's a pretty good possibility.
I know you said that you didn't think my symptoms sounded herpetic. Of course I am hoping that that you're right!! However, I won't know where to begin looking for an answer if they aren't, as herpes has been the closest explanation to my symptoms.
Thanks again. I'll let you know.
I guess I have been going through a narrowing down process. The only option left that I can come up with would be HSV 2, assuming my gyno tested me for everything else already. It had made the least amount of sense, but after ruling out HSV1, it seems like it's a pretty good possibility.
I know you said that you didn't think my symptoms sounded herpetic. Of course I am hoping that that you're right!! However, I won't know where to begin looking for an answer if they aren't, as herpes has been the closest explanation to my symptoms.
Thanks again. I'll let you know.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
With first episode infection, yes, some people run an actual fever. You already have HSV 1, so you wouldn't be getting a first episode infection at this point.
If your antibody test comes back HSV 2 positive, then either or both of you could have been infected for a long time and didn't know it. You ask if you could pass it orally, and I'm not clear about why you would ask that - you describe yourself as married, I'm assuming you are having intercourse, or have had in your marriage?
No, overall body itching is not a symptom of genital herpes.
I'm not clear why, if your test shows HSV 1, which it will given your history of oral herpes, that you would assume that is what is causing your genital problems? Nothing you describe sounds like genital HSV 1 infection, I'm not clear why you would come to that conclusion, kind of out of the blue when nothing really fits with that?
Terri
If your antibody test comes back HSV 2 positive, then either or both of you could have been infected for a long time and didn't know it. You ask if you could pass it orally, and I'm not clear about why you would ask that - you describe yourself as married, I'm assuming you are having intercourse, or have had in your marriage?
No, overall body itching is not a symptom of genital herpes.
I'm not clear why, if your test shows HSV 1, which it will given your history of oral herpes, that you would assume that is what is causing your genital problems? Nothing you describe sounds like genital HSV 1 infection, I'm not clear why you would come to that conclusion, kind of out of the blue when nothing really fits with that?
Terri
Yes, I'm on the waiting list. Thanks for the suggestion.
I wouldn't categorize my discharge as malodorous. Its yellowish-white in color most of the time and there's an excess of it. My gyno even noticed that there was an excess during my exam.
When I have read that herpes causes a fever, I'm assuming it is an actual one. Or do they just mean that it can cause a fever/feverish feelings?
I guess that I will just wait for testing and results at this point. I don't really have an option.
I know that I will at least be positive for hsv1. If all my testing comes back negative aside from that, I will be assuming that I have passed it genitally, as I have no other explanation. If it comes back that I have hsv2, is there any way that one of us could have had it orally and passed it?
In your experience, has anyone with herpes complained of all-over body itching? Just slight, sort of irritation itching, in random places? It almost feels like nerve endings that tingle for a second until scratched and then move on. I have never experienced them before having the genital symptoms, so I assume they are connected.
I know that there aren't many more questions to ask, and I really appreciate your replies...I just can't seem to narrow down these symptoms. I am reminded of them every day. I can't help but to attempt to figure them out and prepare myself for news. :-/
Again, thanks for your help.
I wouldn't categorize my discharge as malodorous. Its yellowish-white in color most of the time and there's an excess of it. My gyno even noticed that there was an excess during my exam.
When I have read that herpes causes a fever, I'm assuming it is an actual one. Or do they just mean that it can cause a fever/feverish feelings?
I guess that I will just wait for testing and results at this point. I don't really have an option.
I know that I will at least be positive for hsv1. If all my testing comes back negative aside from that, I will be assuming that I have passed it genitally, as I have no other explanation. If it comes back that I have hsv2, is there any way that one of us could have had it orally and passed it?
In your experience, has anyone with herpes complained of all-over body itching? Just slight, sort of irritation itching, in random places? It almost feels like nerve endings that tingle for a second until scratched and then move on. I have never experienced them before having the genital symptoms, so I assume they are connected.
I know that there aren't many more questions to ask, and I really appreciate your replies...I just can't seem to narrow down these symptoms. I am reminded of them every day. I can't help but to attempt to figure them out and prepare myself for news. :-/
Again, thanks for your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Its good that you took your temperature, rather than just assuming you had a fever. Good job! It always helps to have objective information, like an actual temp by thermometer, to know what's really going on.
You can certainly request trich testing, yes. Most often, trich is accompanied by a malodorous discharge. I've not seen is otherwise, actually.
Again, your symptoms just don't sound herpetic to me, but testing will give you a clearer answer for sure. Did you get on a waiting list for cancelled appointments?
Terri
You can certainly request trich testing, yes. Most often, trich is accompanied by a malodorous discharge. I've not seen is otherwise, actually.
Again, your symptoms just don't sound herpetic to me, but testing will give you a clearer answer for sure. Did you get on a waiting list for cancelled appointments?
Terri
Aside from hsv testing, do you recommend any other testing when I see my doctor next? For example, trich testing has to be asked for specifically, correct? I asked to be tested for everything last time, but I'm not sure that they covered it all.
Also, I told you that I have been getting low-grade fevers. I was assuming it, because that's how they felt. I am now taking my temperature to have a better understanding. I keep feeling feverish but when I take my temperature, it's normal. I will be hot to the touch and feel like I'm burning up with a fatigue feeling. Still, no temp. I have been taking Tylenol to relieve the symptoms but I really don't like taking medication. I have had this feeling on and off for months. Last night and all day today, I have felt this way. I have no visible symptoms genitally or orally at all. Any suggestions?
I just can't help feeling like the sum of all my symptoms equals ghsv. I can't figure out any other possibilities. However, I don't find many people complain of my symptoms, at least not the constant irritation and fever feeling. Still, I know that hsv is different in everybody who has it. I'm wondering if these symptoms are just going to be my serving of the virus.
Thank you for your help!
Have a good day:)
Also, I told you that I have been getting low-grade fevers. I was assuming it, because that's how they felt. I am now taking my temperature to have a better understanding. I keep feeling feverish but when I take my temperature, it's normal. I will be hot to the touch and feel like I'm burning up with a fatigue feeling. Still, no temp. I have been taking Tylenol to relieve the symptoms but I really don't like taking medication. I have had this feeling on and off for months. Last night and all day today, I have felt this way. I have no visible symptoms genitally or orally at all. Any suggestions?
I just can't help feeling like the sum of all my symptoms equals ghsv. I can't figure out any other possibilities. However, I don't find many people complain of my symptoms, at least not the constant irritation and fever feeling. Still, I know that hsv is different in everybody who has it. I'm wondering if these symptoms are just going to be my serving of the virus.
Thank you for your help!
Have a good day:)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
OK, so when they did your pap, they included other tests. Many labs can do other STD testing from pap smear liquids if the provider requests it. If the tested for both BV and yeast, that would rule out those things.
If you have herpes, you can have outbreaks on your cervix, yes, but you normally wouldn't have any sensations associated with that.
No, I don't think a lump in the scrotum with pain would be anything to do with herpes.
I'm happy to answers the questions that you have, thanks for the most kind words!
Terri
If you have herpes, you can have outbreaks on your cervix, yes, but you normally wouldn't have any sensations associated with that.
No, I don't think a lump in the scrotum with pain would be anything to do with herpes.
I'm happy to answers the questions that you have, thanks for the most kind words!
Terri
Terri,
I will admit that it feels wonderful to hear you say that my symptoms don't sound herpetic. I can only hope that they aren't! However, when they did my pap, they did run a full panel of std testing, covering yeast and bv. The nurse told me the tests covered everything except for what a blood test would determine, which is why I continue to worry that it's herpes.
Also, I wish that I had only gotten canker sores in my life. We both definitely have had cold sores. I have had a prescription of valtrex on hand for many years. I don't know if I have supressed genital outbreaks while taking it for oral outbreaks or not.
I have to ask just two more questions. I feel like I am getting low grade fevers sporadically, but often. If I am in fact having continuous outbreaks, is it possible that they're on the cervix and I just can't see them?
Also, this week my husband went to the doctor because of a lump in his scrotum and pain associated with it. He was written a script for an ultrasound, the doctor didn't bring up ghsv, and I can't find that it's usually associated with it. Is this a possible symptom for ghsv in men?
Lastly, I want to tell you that it is deeply comforting to speak to someone who is an expert in this field. I have been reading your posts for months. Thank you for all that you do, and for the kind way that you handle this sensitive subject.
I will admit that it feels wonderful to hear you say that my symptoms don't sound herpetic. I can only hope that they aren't! However, when they did my pap, they did run a full panel of std testing, covering yeast and bv. The nurse told me the tests covered everything except for what a blood test would determine, which is why I continue to worry that it's herpes.
Also, I wish that I had only gotten canker sores in my life. We both definitely have had cold sores. I have had a prescription of valtrex on hand for many years. I don't know if I have supressed genital outbreaks while taking it for oral outbreaks or not.
I have to ask just two more questions. I feel like I am getting low grade fevers sporadically, but often. If I am in fact having continuous outbreaks, is it possible that they're on the cervix and I just can't see them?
Also, this week my husband went to the doctor because of a lump in his scrotum and pain associated with it. He was written a script for an ultrasound, the doctor didn't bring up ghsv, and I can't find that it's usually associated with it. Is this a possible symptom for ghsv in men?
Lastly, I want to tell you that it is deeply comforting to speak to someone who is an expert in this field. I have been reading your posts for months. Thank you for all that you do, and for the kind way that you handle this sensitive subject.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your symptoms don't sound herpetic to me. When people tell me they have constant irritation, I think herpes is a very unlikely cause as it is generally intermittent, not constant.
Pap smears just look for cervical changes, generally only that, not other types of infections. I wouldn't count on a pap smear to sort out anything except what it is supposed to do.
If you are really worried, I would call the office and ask them to call you if they have any cancellations - I think this could be a long month for you.!
By the way, canker sores are not caused by herpes, but cold sores are. That might help you sort out what you and your partner have.
Terri
Pap smears just look for cervical changes, generally only that, not other types of infections. I wouldn't count on a pap smear to sort out anything except what it is supposed to do.
If you are really worried, I would call the office and ask them to call you if they have any cancellations - I think this could be a long month for you.!
By the way, canker sores are not caused by herpes, but cold sores are. That might help you sort out what you and your partner have.
Terri
Neither of us have ever been tested for herpes in the past. However, I know that we both have some strand of it orally. There haven't been any other partners to my knowledge.
Do you hear of many people complaining about constant irritation without outbreaks? I haven't been able to find many complaints of it, and the ones I did find hadn't been tested for anything yet, so I'm not sure that they were attributing it correctly. The constant discomfort has been the worst part. At this point, if I do have ghsv, I would be grateful to only get occasional outbreaks.
Is there any chance that my pap smear could have been done incorrectly, that maybe there's something else going on, or do my symptoms sound pretty clear to you as being ghsv?
Also, does hsv ever cause all-over body itching or is that a seperate issue?
I appreciate your time, thank you! And I will get back to you with my results. My appointment isn't for another month. I hope to not drive myself crazy before then! :)
Do you hear of many people complaining about constant irritation without outbreaks? I haven't been able to find many complaints of it, and the ones I did find hadn't been tested for anything yet, so I'm not sure that they were attributing it correctly. The constant discomfort has been the worst part. At this point, if I do have ghsv, I would be grateful to only get occasional outbreaks.
Is there any chance that my pap smear could have been done incorrectly, that maybe there's something else going on, or do my symptoms sound pretty clear to you as being ghsv?
Also, does hsv ever cause all-over body itching or is that a seperate issue?
I appreciate your time, thank you! And I will get back to you with my results. My appointment isn't for another month. I hope to not drive myself crazy before then! :)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I seriously doubt that you are having continuous herpes outbreaks, and the chance that you would have HSV 1 genitally when you have it orally already is low, and also HSV 1 show symptoms genitally much less often. It is interesting that Valtrex helped your symptoms, however. I'm glad that you are getting an antibody test as that will certainly help clear up this question. Do you think you've ever been tested for herpes in the past? How about your husband? Have you had other partners, do you think he has? Let me know about your blood work if you would like me to help you sort it out when you get it back.
Terri
Terri
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
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.
