PHN

[overit]

I’ve read that PHN with Genital Herpes is uncommon, yet I’m struggling with some odd symptoms. I’m 45, HSV2 positive for 25+ years. Recently I’ve experienced more itching, tingling and off feelings around my vagina than in the years past, and more frequent outbreaks as well. I’ve had several of the more recent occurring bumps swabbed because they didn’t produce the usual blister appearance, nor were they in the usual locations, and the swabs repeatedly came back negative. I began to attribute the weird feelings and bumps as hormonal changes. About 6 weeks ago I did have a true outbreak right in the original spot. While the lesions went away after 5 days or so, there has been intermittent lingering of sensitivity in the same spot. There have been several days in a row of nothing noticeable and then several days in a row of irritation. There are NO visible sores or redness, just a weird feeling of “awareness” of the spot and slight tingles. As this has been going on for several weeks now, I am unsure if I am safe to have sex (husband of 25 years – not tested, but never showing signs of infection). I don’t know if this is a prodrome from hell that won’t go away or some sort of nerve damage or hormonal changes. I take Valtrex daily 500mg for many years now. Your thoughts ? My GYN has swabbed me (he’s a gracious caregiver) every time I get these bumps and sensations and the swabs come back negative each time.

[Terri Warren]

My guess would be hormonal changes. You don’t give your age but if you’ve had herpes for 25 years, you’re at least over 40 and likely closer to 50? The fact that nothing comes back positive may or may not be significant since you are on suppression. Are you doing anything about hormone replacement?

Terri

[overit]

I am 45. I have other signs of hormonal change including gray pubic hairs coming in, loss of moisutre and hair in unwanted places (ie face)….boy this getting old stuff is lots of fun ! I’ve not started hormone therapy because I have read that increase is progesterone can trigger more outbreaks. Interested in your thoughts on that. I do feel like I’m going nuts and driving my husband crazy with every little bump I see, so I do think that is part of my hormonal change as well.

I am curious about your statement on the swabbing – can supressive therapy actually keep you from shedding the virus when you have symptoms such as the “feeling” ?

Thanks ! You are a godsend.

[Terri Warren]

Suppressive therapy is effective in reducing the amount of virus present, for sure. It likely does not eliminate shedding for everyone, however, I would say if you want to know if these symptoms are due to herpes, you might consider going off suppression, see what happens and if you still have symptoms, then swab and see what you get. But know that you are more likely to transmit virus when you are not on suppression.

Terri

[overit]

Might be a risky proposition, but I will consider it. What were your thoughts around the HRT affect on outbreaks ? I’ve read that hormonal changes (like I am experiencing) can affect the frequency of outbreaks, as could HRT. Before the last year, I would have 1 outbreak a year, and I’m either having many more outbreaks now, or just having symptoms of outbreaks that are being suppressed before becoming blisters.

[Terri Warren]

I have seen hormonal changes effect outbreaks, yes. Some have more at menopause and some have fewer – no consistent effect.
What you are experiencing could be outbreaks or could be other genital changes due to hormonal changes, yes?
I don’t think it is good to put a partner at risk to find out about viral activity but if you weren’t having sex, then might be the time to try that.

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Terri

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