I’ll back- track a bit, I (f) started dating my bf about 9 months ago. We’ve know each other for a very long time. We’ve both had other partners before we got together.
He told me he gets cold sores on his mouth from time to time. He’s only had 1 or 2 since we’ve been together. He usually takes valtrex on the regular to also help with an unrelated skin condition he has. He stopped taking this medication some time ago and hasn’t had any issues.
We were last intimate a few weeks ago (unprotected). He had no signs of an outbreak at the time.
Fast forward to earlier this week. I bought a scented toilet paper, not thinking anything of it at the time.
A couple of days ago, I noticed some tenderness on part of my labia majora. Then I noticed a sore. Today, I noticed multiple sores.
I went to urgent care. The doctor said they are blisters and poked one with a needle to get a sample of fluid for testing. Said it looks like HSV.
I have never had an issue like this before. Now I have a prescription for valtrex and have to wait a few days before results come in to know for sure.
Struggling to process, feeling humiliated and dirty.
I’m worried he might think I was unfaithful because of how long it had been since he & I were last intimate together.
TL; DR: thought scented tp caused sores on my labia, turns out, might actually be HSV
Comments
Ummm you probably got hsv from your bf
If he takes valtrex I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave you this. First I’ve heard someone takes valtrex for cold sores, but I could be wrong.
They say as soon as you have sex, assume you already have at least one strain of HPV
I’ve taken valtrex for bad mouth sore outbreaks before. Trust is key in relationships. Had cold sores my whole life. D is clean as a new whistle
It’s estimated that 2/3 of the population has HSV 1 or 2 and many don’t even know. You likely got it from you BF, you can transmit even without visible sores. Just take meds when you have an outbreak, it’s not the big stigma it once was.
It’s transmissible even if someone is taking medication and even if they don’t have an outbreak. You were guaranteed to get it eventually given what you’re saying.
It is nerve racking cuz you can have it and not know it. Though it’s not that big of a deal these days really. You’re going to be ok regardless!
Just FYI, as far as I know every single skin condition that valtrex can be used to treat is related to herpes. You probably did catch it from him and definitely do not put up with it if he starts trying to Make accusations against you because this seems to be his fault for not staying on the medication if it was suppressing outbreaks.
You can get HS1 genitally. You got it from him. You can even get it from using spit as lube.
Take valeted daily if you don’t want to pass it. Reduces the risk of transmission.
If he gets sores around his mouth it’s likely HSV, he could cause genital herpes for you if he gave you oral regardless of breakout status.
taking lysine daily works as well at suppressing cold sores if you, like me have had it (hsv1) all your life. You are shedding the virus even without having any physical symptoms, btw.
The key to taking lysine is, TAKE IT EVERY DAY. if you don’t, you’ll break out within a few days upon missing it. afaik there’s no downside to taking l lysine daily, it’s an essential amino acid. Before I found this out, I would get breakouts everytime the seasons changed, or I got too much sun, or was too stressed over ‘something’. Now I don’t have breakouts unless I miss a couple days. I didn’t even find out cold sores were hsv1 until the late eighties. It wasn’t something people ‘talked about’
and no, it isn’t ‘isn’t even a big deal these days’
it’s a big deal.
don’t spread it.
if you have it, tell your partner.
Condoms don’t protect from herpes
Thank you everyone who showed support!
Yes, I FU by not using protection with him but in my naivety, I didn’t realize it could be transmitted even when there were no signs of an outbreak.
I’m still praying there’s a chance it isn’t hsv.
But if it is, I have better educated myself and will do what I can to reduce or prevent me from spreading.
If he blames you leave his ass. In my experience I’ve never had a doctor give me a prescription for valtrex for cold sores. I was sexually assaulted and contracted hsv 2. Its been years since it happened I’ve been in 2 long term relationships and was always open and never passed it. Im super careful, and even if I have an itch, im like nah. Honestly as far has health goes it dosnt affect your health that bad aside form discomfort from breakouts( mind you will happen more happen in the first year or so) I’ve gone almost 10 year med free aside for like 2 outbreaks in super stressful times in my life. 1 In 4 people have hvs 2 dont be ashamed honey. If he was a carrier her should have been open and honest with you and had a talk with you as I have had to with potential partners over the years to make sure they knew what could happen and if they want to take said risk.