Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Female Support Group

I don't really know how to answer your question regarding herpes, as my situation is slightly different. I do want to tell you that you need to be strong, be healthy and keep your chin up. You'll get through this and just know you have lots of support.

I am dealing with this also, and my family want to know how you can catch it. So I am going with my mum next week to the doctor to find out. I will let you know when I find out. In regards to how you got it, yes your partner could have had it for years and had no symptoms, or you could have had it for years and are only now getting symptoms. It is possible. Hope that helps, good luck and stay strong. JT

I had flu like symptoms too but I thought it was because my 3 year old had been sick and that I had caught the flu from him. Turns out I was having an outbreak. I have been with my partner for 2 years too and he was already on meds for hsv 1. He used to get cold sores before put on the meds. I've never gotten a cold sore but I did happen to start getting genital outbreaks. It sucks and yeah the pain is bad and I'm also itching like crazy. I was scared of the same thing with the possibility of my son contracting it somehow in the house. I may be over doing it, and maybe there is no way he will catch it but we are constantly washing our hands, I don't let us share utensils with him, washing all the sheets constantly because he likes to come and sleep in our bed from time to time. I know I probably sound paranoid but I know how u feel.
You do just have to be strong and know that you are not the only one going through this. Good luck

Hello, first catching herpes can be terrible. You will itch and itch and itch some more but as time goes on the itch will go away. The outbreaks will come. The best remedy to keep the outbreaks away is to be very sexual or not have it at all. If you go a long period of time without having it, its common to catch an outbreak. It is really something to live with. Just be careful, spreading it will make you feel bad. And to tell someone is so embarassing. If you didn't catch it in the mouth, stop kisses cause it is very easy to catch that one. Just clean the tub real good when you finish using it. They say clorox is good. Hope I been helpful.

the best thing for the pain is called "Americane" it's actually a topical treatment for hemmoroids. It numbs the area. You can get it as a prescription or over the counter. I think the prescription is stronger.

The first outbreak is always the worst. It is possible that you were exposed long ago and the virus was dormant, but it's also possible that your partner gave it to you. He may have had it for a long time and doesn't have outbreaks anymore, but anyone who is infected can still shed viruses without symptoms. What your doctor said about never having another outbreak IS WRONG and there's no way he could tell by looking anyway.

In any case, your partner needs to be tested. If he tests negative then you got it from someone else and you need to use condoms so you don't give it to him.

As for your daughter, yes you should be careful. Obviously you should be diligent about washing your hands after using the toilet or touching yourself in that area for any reason. If you bathe her in your bathtub be sure you clean it thoroughly first. Normally an adult can't catch herpes from a bathtub, but infants' immune systems aren't as strong. But transmission from mother to infant usually happens during childbirth and even then it's pretty rare. She can't get it from you from kissing or hugging or anything like that.

I forgot to say, as far as itching an pain goes, take ibuprofen every 6 hours, An oatmeal bath with tepid or even cool water can be very soothing. You can get Aveeno oatmeal bath or you can make your own by grinding rolled oats in a food processor or coffee grinder til they're a fine powder. Put about a cup in as you run the water.

I know it may sound crazy, but good old ice helps too. Anything to cut down on inflammation. You can also get plain aloe vera gel and keep it in the fridge. It works pretty well too.