Long term impact of HSV2

[therzhope]

Just wanted to check on the long term impact of GHSV2 on male. I am getting frequent outbreaks, but they are very mild and get healed within 2days. I have learned to move on with my life as I get to know that I have HSV2 only when I look at it. It has stopped to bother me.
Could you please help me answer the below:
1) Does HSV2 cause penile cancer or any other cancer form on long run esp. due to the frequent outbreaks
2) Any other disability such as ED
3) Does it get worse once one gets to his old ages
4) Any other long term consequences ...

Expecting a open frank advise :)

[petal130]

So you never had a positive culture of symptoms? I'd suggest getting your results and posting them here for Grace to take a look at. Unfortunately we have folks who are a low positive and assume they in fact are positive, then also have symptoms that may be fungal or bacterial, and just assume it's herpes. Just makes sense to be certain this is herpes, right? And then, of course if it is herpes, remember other things go on genitally, not just herpes!

I'd highly recommend you read the "Herpes Handbook" by Westover Heights Clinic (google it and it comes right up). Pages 18-19. It will give you a better understanding of what antivirals do. There is no such thing as "surge" of the virus either. Most folks can thank plain old genetics for why they may have more or fewer outbreaks.

[AverageJohnny]

I would assume you will, your body will regain its ability to fight the virus naturally.

[therzhope]

Thanks for the comment....I agree that it worked great while I was using it; I had no outbreaks. But stopping it, I thought I will just return back to the old state of couple of outbreaks. The reason I took was to protect my old partner. Now all single, I didnt want to take the medication...but just worried why stopping the course didnt take me back to old state, but instead to a worse state....I too believe it could be the surge in Virus (or making it more virulant); but do you think I should get back to my initial state maybe in few months?

[AverageJohnny]

Why would you be scared to use Valtrex if it worked while you were taking it? It makes sense that if you are on suppressive therapy for five months and then suddenly stop it, you can possibly get a "surge" in the virus. Either you stay on the suppressive dose, or only use Valtrex when you feel an outbreak coming on.

[therzhope]

Thanks Petal....Well I did one of those labcorp blood tests. Few months back did a comprehensive STD test as well (5 months after my last relation) and came out positive only for HSV2. Never been in a relation since then either..So, i guess no chance of any other STDs.

[petal130]

We have a saying here, just because you have herpes doesn't mean everything down yonder IS herpes. Have you been seen when symptomatic to be sure it's herpes with a swab/culture? Bacterial and fungal infections can mimic herpes symptoms too, and you can be tested for both as well.

How were you originally diagnosed as having genital herpes?

Valtrex would not makes your herpes outbreaks worse. Only NOT taking it could cause an increase in outbreaks. No reason to be "scared" of it, it's a very safe drug.

You should be seen as soon as you have symptoms for a proper diagnosis at is point.

[therzhope]

I am scared to take it now...I was diagonosed of GHSV2 2 years back....I used to get only like one or two minor outbreaks in a year. 6 months back started taking daily Valtrex..stopped the course last month and ever since then outbreaks hasnt stopped (even though they are minor). Heals another one pops out.
Just scared of this Valtrex..it has made my situation just worse from something insignificant to something I have to deal often :(

[gracefromHHP]

are you taking daily suppressive therapy to help reduce recurrences since you are having them frequently?

grace

[AverageJohnny]

No
No
No, it gets better as time passes
No