recurrent HSV1 genital

[Emily1973]

I was diagnosed with genital herpes 1 about two years ago when I went in to the gynecologist during my first outbreak. Im aware that typically the first outbreak is supposed to be the worst and that the outbreaks are supposed to lessen with time. For some reason, even taking 500 mg valacyclovir a day, I have experienced at least 15 more outbreaks in the past two years. The outbreaks are more mild than the first one but they are still very irritating. Im worried that ill never be able to get off of the medicine and that ill always have outbreaks. I thought that when it was simplex 1 it significantly decreased the severity of herpes. Are their any reasons that I may be experiencing problems? Or any alternate treatments/behaviors that I can do to help?  (I have also tried a couple times to not take the medicine for about a week and will consequently start an outbreak)

[gracefromHHP]

yes, having symptoms would be most helpful for your follow up. honestly I'd stop the valtrex at this point and be seen when symptoms reoccur. insist on a lesion culture and typing, not just a visual exam. also get properly tested for  yeast and bacterial infections vaginally as well.  both can trigger herpes to be more active as well as mimic ob's.  

[Emily1973]

with the initial outbreak they did the swap and tested it. When i told them that i was having more outbreaks they were surprised and told me to come in the next time i had one. I did and they simply did a visual examination and said that it was and just kept me on the valtrex. I was most likely going to go back in and talk to them. Do you think that i should be in an outbreak when i try to see someone or would it matter?

[gracefromHHP]

odds are whatever is going on, isn't herpes related at all.

how were you originally diagnosed as having genital herpes?  

have you had any further testing since then?

honestly I recommend stopping the valtrex and being seen every single time you have symptoms for a proper work up to try to get to the bottom of what is going on. if it's not herpes, all the valtrex in the world isn't going to help you.

grace