Primary infection

[nightshade]

This is a wonderful service, thank you.

I am a 34 year old female and was recently diagnosed with HSV 2 (pcr swab) with negative IGG levels, suggesting primary infection. I had assumed for the worst going into the OBGYN that it must be HSV, and that it must be an old undetected infection having a recognizable outbreak for the first time. I’ve been in monogamous hetero relationship for the last 12 months, having regular sex (7x/week) without a condom throughout that time. So I was shocked and even more devastated at a primary infection HSV 2 diagnosis. He’s asymptomatic and had no idea he carried the infection (still waiting on his test results.) Is it unusual for this much time to pass before infecting a partner? Seems bizarre.

Anyway, I’ve gone through the 10 days of Valtrex that my doctor prescribed, but towards the9th and 10th day I developed a new sore (the 10th day was 2 days ago). Is it weird for a new sore to develop at the end of 10 day Valtrex program? Should I use repeat a second 10 day dosage of the Valtrex (2 grams per day)?

Is there anything special my partner and I need to careful about regarding sex and intimacy since I’m in the beginning stages of this infection?

It also seems ridiculous that HSV is not a part of standard STD testing. I think it could change so much in people’s awareness of the virus, how common it is, and how it’s spread, and could help greatly in reducing the debilitating stigma associated with genital herpes. Do you know of any activist group that trying to change this?

Thank you.

• This topic was modified 8 years, 4 months ago by nightshade.

[Terri Warren]

Has your partner been tested to determine that he does indeed have HSV 2? If he does indeed have HSV 2, then there is really nothing you need to be careful about with sex. However, during the first few months of infection I suggest good handwashing after touching the genitals so you don’t transfer this to another part of your body (outside of the boxer shorts area)
Yes, we always give 10 days of Valtrex with one refill. Many people with brand new infection just don’t get a good enough response with only 10 days of medication.

It is not unusual to go for a long time before getting infected. Do you have any concerns that your partner has had another partner and may have new infection?

Terri

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