Just looking for guidance.

[Newtome]

38 year old male. In 2014 when I started dating my now ex wife I got a rash that was a combo of some blisters / open sore under my pubes. Went to Dr and he said it was cellulitis from infected hair follicle. Gave me meds and said it wasn’t herpes. Over the years it came back several times a year usually after I trimmed down there or if I was wearing tight compression shots for working out. Its always under my pubes either on the left or right side. Or sometimes it’s in the skin fold of my balls right where it meets the shaft. Never had anything on my shaft. Usually goes away in about a week. Recently met a girl and she told me she had herpes ( we were never in physical contact ). I did some research and thought what I had sounded a lot like herpes. I ordered a test kit from “ let’s get checked “ ( they use Northwell health labs ) and collected blood sample and sent off. Also went and got checked by a Dr. for everything else. Explained to new Dr the condition and they said it didn’t sound like herpes either. Got herpes results and tested negative for HSV1 and positive for HSV2 ( >23.6) so I think it’s pretty clear I have it. Neg for everything else. Dr Rx me Valacyclovir 500mg 1x/ day and said it should suppress outbreaks and I’d be able to tell if that rash was herpes by if it keeps coming back on meds it’s prob not herpes causing the rash. Also suggested if it does come back to go get a swab test right away.

Do you agree with this approach and would you suggest I do something different ?

Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

This sounded so classically like herpes from your description, I so hoped as I read further someone had diagnosed you correctly.
I agree with the 500 mg a day, increasing to 2 grams twice, 12 hours apart, for one day, with an outbreak. I see absolutely no need to get a swab test.
The good news is that there is not a risk of transmission with your new partner IF her herpes is HSV 2.

Terri

[Newtome]

Thank you Terri.

I appreciate your response. I have a few additional questions as well.

1. As far as transmission I’ve read all the stats for positive male to non positive female. Is it safe to assume if you’re with a non positive female at some point she will get it no matter how safe you are?

2. If both are positive for HSV2 and not HSV1 can you spread it from genitalia to mouth?

3. If one partner has HSV1 and the Other has HSV2 are the different versions easily spread back n fourth or does the fact you have antibodies help prevent that?

4. Lastly I’ve been taking the meds as DR rxd. Is it normal to have an adjustment period for your body to adapt. I’ve been having a bit of a bubbly stomach. Although after 2 weeks it is decreasing. Not sure if this is also do to nerves since I was pretty nervous even before I got my results.

Thank you !

[Terri Warren]

1. As far as transmission I’ve read all the stats for positive male to non positive female. Is it safe to assume if you’re with a non positive female at some point she will get it no matter how safe you are?
No, that is totally incorrect. I have seen couples together for 35 years and didn’t transmit

2. If both are positive for HSV2 and not HSV1 can you spread it from genitalia to mouth?
If both infections are well established, that is extremely unlikely

3. If one partner has HSV1 and the Other has HSV2 are the different versions easily spread back n fourth or does the fact you have antibodies help prevent that?
The person with HSV 2 would not acquired HSV 1, but the person with HSV 1 could still acquire HSV 2.

4. Lastly I’ve been taking the meds as DR rxd. Is it normal to have an adjustment period for your body to adapt. I’ve been having a bit of a bubbly stomach. Although after 2 weeks it is decreasing. Not sure if this is also do to nerves since I was pretty nervous even before I got my results.
By now, your stomach should be settled down and you should be fine with meds in the future.

Terri

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