Is this a herpes outbreak?

[M112233]

I was diagnosed with HSV-2 in the summer of 2013. I’ve had less than 5 outbreaks since then, last one maybe 9 months ago. Been on acyclovir 400mg 3 times a day for almost 6 months now, and absolutely no sign of outbreaks or even prodrome since then. For a couple of weeks now, my labia majora has been bright red, but not raw feeling. Just inside my vagina, there seems to be a red spot, but doesn’t seem to look or feel like any sort of blister is present at all....does feel raw right where that spot is though. I was just on my period last week, and the week before that, my partner performed oral on me many times. Thought maybe I developed a mild yeast infection (have never had one so I’m not sure) or just irritation from so much oral being performed on me. Does this spot seem to be herpes, especially when I religiously take my acyclovir as directed, plus L-Lysine three times a day as well?

[M112233]

This was Terri Warren’s response to the same question:

“The vaginal spot that you describe could be a herpes outbreak, yes, but it’s very difficult to say. The antiviral medicine you are on should be very effective in reducing viral shedding.“

The spot has never looked like a blister. Never been painful. I always feel raw after sex and oral because we do it either or both often. I feel like this was never an outbreak because it was never a “blister,” and was there much longer than a typical outbreak, plus I’m on daily acyclovir. I’m still worrying a little bit, but should I be?

[auntiejessi]

LOL well, yeah it may be overkill. Let your partner handle the responsibility of his body, and you handle the responsibility of yours. No one wants to transmit it, obviously, but I'm assuming he's a grown man and knows the risks. (Unless of course, the inspections lead to fun play or are part of fun play ... that's different.)

Instead of thinking about it as a 2% transmission rate, maybe think of it as a 98% chance you won't transmit it. Same thing, just sounds more positive. :)

[M112233]

I like that thinking!!!!!

And I don’t think he notices when I inspect....he’s usually in a “zone” during oral haha.

You’ve been so helpful, thank you!!!

[auntiejessi]

You're welcome!

Prevention is up to you and your partner. Some people are comfortable using none, others want to use every option possible. Totally your call. You're making an informed decision, so that's the best thing. :)

[M112233]

I feel like I know by body pretty well when it comes to feeling an outbreak come on, and I haven’t had many in 5 years (less than 5 total, of course the first one being the worst). If I even feel the least bit of a tingle, we don’t have sex. And I’d be willing to bet the tingle is almost always just in my head. Because no matter how safe/informed we are, there will always be that fear of passing it since there’s always a risk. And I’ve probably read entirely too much on the internet that isn’t accurate, as well. This site and Terri Warren’s site has been very helpful in finding the truth about herpes. And nice to talk to people who really know and have been through the same things!
I have felt pretty good about the 2% rate of transmission with daily antivirals, no condoms and no sex during outbreaks (which I haven’t had any anyway). And I feel like I’m always inspecting my partner’s penis for broken skin for the virus to escape through should I be shedding. That’s probably silly and overkill haha.

[auntiejessi]

Hi -

First, you only need acyclovir 400 mg twice a day, not 3x. It's 3x a day for 5 days if you have an outbreak. https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/herpes.htm You can continue to take L-lysine, but it's probably not doing a thing for your herpes. It's certainly not doing more than your acyclovir is.

Since you are taking the outbreak dose of acyclovir, and the area is still irritated this much later, I'd get it checked. It's not likely to be herpes.

Feel better soon!

[M112233]

Thank you! My prescription says 3x a day, and always has so that’s what I’ve always taken. I was pretty sure the area I asked about was not an OB since any OB that I’ve had was definitely a clear herpes sore, but just wanted another opinion :-) It actually seems to be gone now and doesn’t bother me at all.
Will probably start taking the lysine....those caplets are huge and hard to swallow!!!

[M112233]

Since I have been taking it 3x a day, is that providing me any extra protection against shedding and transmitting to my partner?

[auntiejessi]

I don't know if they studied it at higher levels, but my guess would be no. You should also consider if you have any kidney issues taking extra acyclovir that you don't need.

Have you read the herpes handbook? If you haven't, check it out. The risks of you passing it on to a male or female partner while taking suppression is really quite low - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/

[M112233]

I don’t have any kidney issues, but have read that too much acyclovir could cause problems down the road. That is worrisome of course! And being that I’ve had HSV2 for 5 years now, and minimal outbreaks really, I’ve considered going off the acyclovir unless I have an actual outbreak. But I’m really only taking it daily to help prevent my partner from getting it (we do not use condoms). I have not read the handbook but read lots and lots of information that does make me feel better about the risk of transmission from female to male :-)

Thank you for all your help!!!