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herpes?
I was wondering if anyone can clarify if I can have contracted herpes after a monogamous 4 years sexual relationship? I don't have a confirmed diagnosis yet, but the doctor has suggested that my painful urination and 3 lesions on my genitals is most likely herpes. I am perplexed, my partner isnt aware that he has herpes, nor am I aware that I had ever exposed. I have only had 2 partners and I am older than 45. Please help as I have so many questions, and the CDC info is confusing me.
I'd wait until monday and go and get properly tested for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally. both are common with the initial infection and self treating is never a good idea.
Hi,
I have some burning red swollen labia, but no lesions. Could this be another outbreak? I have a little itching, but mostly burning, and no discharge, or odor. I was wondering if this could be yeast instead.
I have some burning red swollen labia, but no lesions. Could this be another outbreak? I have a little itching, but mostly burning, and no discharge, or odor. I was wondering if this could be yeast instead.
get him tested - much faster answers for you! just because he knows he has hsv1 orally, doesn't mean he doesn't also have hsv2 genitally and just hasn't realized it yet.
I am now more confused. Since I have genital lesions, and if I got a blood test that reads HSV-1 wouldn't that mean I have hsv1-genitally? If I got it from a HSV 1 carrier it can't be classified as 2 can it?
Or are you saying that if I wait a few months, the results might indicate 2 because I got it in my genitals.
My partner has not been tested, but he does remember having cold sores years ago. So I am assuming at this point that I got it from him, in a shedding, asymptomatic episode, since I have only had sexual relations with 2 men in my whole life. Ex Husband, over 25 years ago. I understand it can be dormant, but I am thinking that this is my first episode.
Web tests say 3-6 weeks from infection outbreak before you should get a the blood test. I understand the 3 month time frame after reading your website.
Or should I pursue having him get tested first, and then based on his results, rely on that before pursuing my own typing and thus being in the 3-6 week time frame?
Or are you saying that if I wait a few months, the results might indicate 2 because I got it in my genitals.
My partner has not been tested, but he does remember having cold sores years ago. So I am assuming at this point that I got it from him, in a shedding, asymptomatic episode, since I have only had sexual relations with 2 men in my whole life. Ex Husband, over 25 years ago. I understand it can be dormant, but I am thinking that this is my first episode.
Web tests say 3-6 weeks from infection outbreak before you should get a the blood test. I understand the 3 month time frame after reading your website.
Or should I pursue having him get tested first, and then based on his results, rely on that before pursuing my own typing and thus being in the 3-6 week time frame?
if you get a blood test done now and it's hsv1+, no way to know if your hsv1 is oral or genital. waiting a few months gives you better answers as to type.
has your partner been tested yet?
has your partner been tested yet?
You should wait 3 months just to make sure that the antibody will show up. There is a chance you come back negative.
I would call back to the clinic and explain you have read the CDC's guidelines and that they state they should be typed and you want it typed if the lab has it still. Explain that if not you will take it to the state medical board. The CDC's guidlines are done for reasons.
I would call back to the clinic and explain you have read the CDC's guidelines and that they state they should be typed and you want it typed if the lab has it still. Explain that if not you will take it to the state medical board. The CDC's guidlines are done for reasons.
I attempted to but a second doc called back and explained their stance. I am now going to call Planned Parenthood in the morning to see if they will do a blood test. But what I don't quite understand is if I have to wait the 3 months. I am looking into some websites that offer labs for a cheaper rate as well. What irritates me is that I need to know so I can inform my current partner and we can plan our continued sex life.ie- if he is a carrier and we are both hsv-1 then I think we are good. However if I was the unknown carrier I don't want to risk infecting him. The cavalier attitude that the docs seemed to have about that status just floors me. Thanks for the support.
First off...I wanna say sorry for your positive results. But secondly...Im with ya. WTF! I just mentioned how I didnt understand why so many in healthcare are so naive when it comes to herpes. How could they not type? They cultured/swabbed mine and came back with a spec type. Dont they all use the same testing? Can you call the lab yourself? Again...Im sorry... I hope you get your answers soon...
treatment might be the same but knowing type matters. your provider needs to read the 2010 cdc std guidelines to learn more about testing for herpes!
The doctor called back and indicated they don't type as the treatment is the same for both strains. WTF? I am outraged and don't know what to do next.
I called and the nurse indicated they had requested the culture be typed, but it came back unspecified. She is calling the lab to have verify. I am frustrated that now that I know the positive results, I am still not much further ahead in my diagnosis than I was a week ago. I can report that the pain has subsided, I have one more Valtrex to take and the lesions are starting to heal- albeit itch a bit.
After the emotional roller coaster I felt I was on last week, the ride seems to have slowed, although in the throes of my initial outbreak, I really didn't think I would feel desire again. However it has returned, thankfully, although I still have a number of questions as to how after 4 years I could have contracted this from a symptom free partner. Up next will be convincing him to get tested.
After the emotional roller coaster I felt I was on last week, the ride seems to have slowed, although in the throes of my initial outbreak, I really didn't think I would feel desire again. However it has returned, thankfully, although I still have a number of questions as to how after 4 years I could have contracted this from a symptom free partner. Up next will be convincing him to get tested.
call the clinic and see if your culture was typed. If it wasn't , ask them to please call the lab to see if they still have your specimen to type it for you. All cultures should be typed as per cdc herpes testing guidelines.
you can't make educated decisions about your herpes until you know what type you have.
you can't make educated decisions about your herpes until you know what type you have.
I just received a call from my doctor indicating my results were positive, but not specific to HSV 1 or HSV 2. She couldn't explain why they weren't able to classify it. So, I guess I have to wait 3 months before I have a blood test? At this point, what difference will it make to find out?
abreva has absolutely no affect at all on genital herpes, in fact it barely has any affect on oral herpes even and barely got FDA approval to say that it speeds healing of cold sores.
itching can be from healing or it also can be from vaginitis which is also very common with a newly acquired genital herpes infection.
itching can be from healing or it also can be from vaginitis which is also very common with a newly acquired genital herpes infection.
I am wondering if anyone has ever used abreva on their genital outbreaks? I have begun to experience itching. Is this another step in the healing process? To date I have only had burning, but today the itching has increased. I still do not have any results from the doctor, but in doing more research it does seem to me to be a herpes outbreak. My partner had no visible signs or outbreaks so I am concluding this was an asymptomatic shedding episode. After nearly 4 years together we are both perplexed. And I have only had 2 sexual partners in my whole life. Extremely aggravating.
acyclovir works just as well and is a cheap generic. You can get a round of acyclovir for $4 with a prescription at walmart. You can get daily suppressive therapy with acyclovir for under $20/month at walmart too.
Yes, that is the Valtrex dosage I am on. Started it on Thursday. Tuesday I was given a diflucan for suspected yeast after bladder was ruled out. Wednesday I was given 14 days of cipro, with the assumption my burning urination was indeed a bladder infection. Wednesday night I noticed the first lesion, so Thursday I had a vaginal exam and she did a yeast test then, all were negative.
The doc said I could continue on the cipro if I wanted, but since she felt it was herpes there was no need to continue on the cipro. And since one of the side effects of cipro is yeast infections, I would like to avoid adding that to this.
Another thing I am confused about is the Valtrex is so expensive and I am unemployed. Would one of the other drugs work just as well?
Thank you so much for your responses. it helps to have somewhere to sound off on all the ?'s running through my head.
The doc said I could continue on the cipro if I wanted, but since she felt it was herpes there was no need to continue on the cipro. And since one of the side effects of cipro is yeast infections, I would like to avoid adding that to this.
Another thing I am confused about is the Valtrex is so expensive and I am unemployed. Would one of the other drugs work just as well?
Thank you so much for your responses. it helps to have somewhere to sound off on all the ?'s running through my head.
even though you've started on valtrex, it doesn't stop the ob from running it's course over night :( if this is a newly acquired herpes infection for you, it might still take 1-2 weeks to get better even with the valtrex. did they give you the 1gm 2x/day for 7-10 days dose of valtrex?
when you were seen, in addition to the herpes testing you were given, did they also test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally?
grace
when you were seen, in addition to the herpes testing you were given, did they also test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally?
grace
Well a swab test may take that long. Make sure they type the culture. Call your doctors office and ask them if they will type it. That way you can know.
Having sex if you got HSV from him is no problem. Having a great sex life is what makes being married so great. At least that is my thoughts on the subject.
HSV-1 genital isn't a big deal and really for your husband and you have nothing to worry about. He already has antibodies to prevent the transmission to a new site. All your symptoms will be down stairs so just avoid any sexual contact during times of an outbreak and you should be fine.
This advice assumes he has HSV-1. Our rule here is never assume. Having him get tested using a type specific igg blood test is highly recommended this way you know who has what. But if your test comes back positive and you and your husband are it then you know you got it from him.
Having sex if you got HSV from him is no problem. Having a great sex life is what makes being married so great. At least that is my thoughts on the subject.
HSV-1 genital isn't a big deal and really for your husband and you have nothing to worry about. He already has antibodies to prevent the transmission to a new site. All your symptoms will be down stairs so just avoid any sexual contact during times of an outbreak and you should be fine.
This advice assumes he has HSV-1. Our rule here is never assume. Having him get tested using a type specific igg blood test is highly recommended this way you know who has what. But if your test comes back positive and you and your husband are it then you know you got it from him.
Thank you I will try and be patient, I am hoping for the mimic issue. They did swab and I am also aware it can be dormant in the body but the possibility has just upended me.
Thank you, I will await the test results. The did swab one lesion and said it would take a week for results. 3 days for the quick test, but I was cautioned that a negative result there, could still be positive once the standard test is completed. This just makes me feel really crappy, and not at all confident that we can have sex again. I know that is a bit exaggerated, but there is where my confusion lies.
You need a type specific test to show your status. Your Husband should ALSO be tested to know his status as well. It is not uncommon for couples to not know their HSV status and go years without passing HSV to another. If your husband has ever had a cold sore you know this could be HSV if you last had oral sex performed on you within 2-20 days then you know you might have an initial infection. Could also be one you just realized as well. The lab work at this point is going to be helpful.
Did your doctor swab the lesions for culture and typing? Did you see him after 48hrs?
Having your husband test would be most helpful if you have had no outside partners in the last 3 months.
Keep following up with us. We will help you out each step of the way.
Did your doctor swab the lesions for culture and typing? Did you see him after 48hrs?
Having your husband test would be most helpful if you have had no outside partners in the last 3 months.
Keep following up with us. We will help you out each step of the way.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
