Aa
I think it's starting...
I haven't been intimate in several years. Finally meet a great guy with potential. The second time we hooked up, no sex just oral preformed on me, he had a red spot on his lip the next day. I asked him if he regularly gets cold sores and he said "never had one before". We talked openly about this and he swears it's the first time. I've never had one myself,but did date someone who got them occasionally, SO now I think I might have infected him! I made an appointment with my gyno who did all the blood work for all std's and the herpes IGG and IGM and it showed that at some point in my life I have been exposed to HSV1. I expected that since most people carry it. Fast forward 20 days and endless internet research, no appetite and countless mirror/ flashlight inspections of my genitals I start to think I feel slight irritation at the opening of my vagina. Mind you I had been poking and touching and moving things around for days,but saw nothing more than a little darker pink than usual. Fast forward another couple of days I decide to shave my legs and use caution around my butt and bikini line, but two days later I am starting to notice dark pinkish marks in my thigh/ butt region. No pain, occasional itch in the area if I'm wearing yoga pants and twice I thought I felt a little muscle spasm in my butt cheek. I thought two maybe looked a little raised but after reading about the affect ice can have to prevent an out break I've been sitting on ice packs on and off for two days. Each time the pinkish spots lighten up and almost look like they're gone. Tonight I noticed some redness in my pubic area, so I iced it. I'm worried that it's starting:( I guess my questions are :
1.What's the chance of me contracting hsv1 genitally if the cold sore appeared several hours later on my bf?
2. Does the start of a primary outbreak start as little marks?
3. Can ice really stop it if it is in fact my first out break?
4. Does my past antibodies offer Any protection from being infected in another area OR can they protect me from one of these SEVERE outbreaks I keep reading about.
5. Should I have my GP or gyno look at them even though there is nothing for them to culture?
Sorry for the novel, I just wanted to give all the facts. Thank you in advance.
1.What's the chance of me contracting hsv1 genitally if the cold sore appeared several hours later on my bf?
2. Does the start of a primary outbreak start as little marks?
3. Can ice really stop it if it is in fact my first out break?
4. Does my past antibodies offer Any protection from being infected in another area OR can they protect me from one of these SEVERE outbreaks I keep reading about.
5. Should I have my GP or gyno look at them even though there is nothing for them to culture?
Sorry for the novel, I just wanted to give all the facts. Thank you in advance.
Reddish marks are still there, some look a little raised now and another dime sized rash-ish mark a little below them. I'm gonna see the dr tomorrow, although I know they can't positively identify something that can't be cultured.... Unless of course as I sleep tonight they turn to blisters. At this point I'm praying That IF this is my primary outbreak that it's one of those mild, questionable ie: razor bumps? Types of outbreaks that just disappears and then I'm none the wiser. I'm also due to see my guy tomorrow, in which I will use the tactic of letting him know we will not be moving forward until he gets all his blood work done as I had mine done last week.... I'm so over tired of this waiting game. Either show up or go away !
Your information is very comforting , catinbarefeet. I'm due to get a Brazilian wax and I'm kinda afraid... Do you think it would make it start if I did? .... Look at me, I already have it in my mind, I gotta stop worrying until there is actually something undeniable there! Thanks again, I'm a newbie here and just have so many concerns.
A reminder that not all information you get on the internet is reliable. If it helps, both herpes experts I spoke to recently agree that once you have the antibodies for over 4 months, you are highly unlikely to contract it again in another part of your body.
However, this does not mean that you can't have it in both places, if you got it in both places originally, or if you spread it to a different part of your body before you seroconverted.
The very next time you have fresh bumps, go and get them swabbed for a PCR DNA test, instead of sitting on ice. Go right away, so you don't risk a false negative. And by the way, if they disappear when you sit on ice, they could very well be something else, like inflammation from an ingrown hair!
However, this does not mean that you can't have it in both places, if you got it in both places originally, or if you spread it to a different part of your body before you seroconverted.
The very next time you have fresh bumps, go and get them swabbed for a PCR DNA test, instead of sitting on ice. Go right away, so you don't risk a false negative. And by the way, if they disappear when you sit on ice, they could very well be something else, like inflammation from an ingrown hair!
After sitting on ice the "spots" almost disappear. I'm hoping that I'm just too self aware right now of things that normally occur. My gyno said she thinks it's unlikely that I'd contract it genitally since I already have antibodies, but "dr google " seems to think it can def be spread. I'm just nervous To go near my guy right now incase something is starting; I wouldn't want to pin going it back to his junk! Although he has a much more broad sexual history than I do, I would find it hard to believe he has never been exposed himself. As of now I don't think there's anything for the drs to look at. I have to try to let it go and if those little f'er show their face then deal with it then..... I'm over googled and nuts now, so this won't be an easy task.
Back to one of my original questions- since I have antibodies IF it did occur is it likely that the outbreak wouldn't be too bad/ last too long?
Thanks guys and gals!
Back to one of my original questions- since I have antibodies IF it did occur is it likely that the outbreak wouldn't be too bad/ last too long?
Thanks guys and gals!
Yes, I'll concur with the others. Stop sitting on ice. There's no evidence that it prevents outbreaks at all. Not all information on the internet is reliable!
Your guy needs to get swabbed and tested with blood as well. If the spot is HSV-1 via swab, but negative via blood, it's a recent infection. If he is positive by blood, he's had it for longer than 4 months, and you likely did not give it to him. He will also not give it to you, since you have seroconverted, according to your test results.
I would not stress so much about having HSV-1 genitally, until you have a reason to stress about it. Disclose to future partners, ask them to be tested, get on suppressive daily antiviral therapy if you will be dating non-H folks, use a barrier/condom with every sexual contact, and abstain if you ever have symptoms. Enjoy life! 65% of Americans have what you have.
Your guy needs to get swabbed and tested with blood as well. If the spot is HSV-1 via swab, but negative via blood, it's a recent infection. If he is positive by blood, he's had it for longer than 4 months, and you likely did not give it to him. He will also not give it to you, since you have seroconverted, according to your test results.
I would not stress so much about having HSV-1 genitally, until you have a reason to stress about it. Disclose to future partners, ask them to be tested, get on suppressive daily antiviral therapy if you will be dating non-H folks, use a barrier/condom with every sexual contact, and abstain if you ever have symptoms. Enjoy life! 65% of Americans have what you have.
Three long term relationships in the last TWELVE (12) years... Not 2. Sorry haha!
Go to the MD and have them look at it. Stop sitting on ice... It's cold and uncomfortable. If you've been exposed to HSV1, you probably already have it orally, and yes it offers some protection. 40%ish I've read. I have HSV1 orally and I've been in three long term relationships in the last 2 years and none of the three got it orally or genitally. Go to the doctor. Stop reading the Internet. Chances are, you're fine. And yes, too much dr google will have you thinking you're dying for the next 4 months. Go to your GYN...
Thanks for the quick reply. I do have insurance, but Im trying not to be a hypochondriac by running in before theres anything to swab. The guy Im dating has been so understanding ( he thinks it is what it is and we'll deal with it if it arises) He clearly hasnt googled as much as I have to know how this will change everything. Im constantly worrying, have lost weight from the lack of appetite, cant focus on anything as Im waiting for "it" to happen. Ive been under more stress than ever before and now this has completely engulfed my every thought. I have read about how we "create" our own symptoms, but these red-ish spots has me over the edge now:/
Thanks again for your reply.Ill be waiting to see what the experts say....
Thanks again for your reply.Ill be waiting to see what the experts say....
Hello Beyondworried14, I am far from an expert but I do have some knowledge from reading other experts posts. Unfortunately I do not have enough knowledge to answer these questions. There should be one of the experts rolling through here within the next day or two. My only answer can be, if you have insurance (which is sounds like you do) have them take a peek at what your describing. It can ease your mind. And yes, messing around with the sensitive area can cause irritation. Also, stress and anxiety (and constantly focusing on ever tick, tingle, and itch) can cause to think you have something you do not. Not every itch or tingle on your body indicates a herpes infection. Best of luck to you. Do keep us posted on your outcome.
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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.
