Female suffering from GHSV1... what can I expect?!

[Sincerelykate22]

Hi ladies. Looking for some tips, advice and insight! 

I contracted GHSV1 from my boyfriend about six weeks ago. 

My initial outbreak was terrifying and painful. Ever since I cleared up, sex is super painful after - it feels like I'm burning inside! Is this something anyone else has experienced?

additionally, I haven't had any new OBs but it feels as if I'm having one? I'm burning/itchy and super uncomfortable. It's so hard to sleep. 

Does anyone have any insights on what I should expect? I'm only 23 and dreading having to live life like this. 

Tips/advice is much appreciated. 

[AusHopeful]

Hey, your body is still adjusting. It will get better. My advice is to stay super hydrated. Are you guys using condoms? Certain types of condoms can irritate more now that you have HSV. Also I was using the Nuva ring for birth control and realised it was causing irritation since having hsv, so I've stopped using it. 

 

[clairemn]

Hi! 

I was diagnosed with GHSV-1 in May 2015 when I was 22. Luckily, having HSV 1 versus 2 means that you are more likely to get LESS outbreaks than if you had HSV-2. I only get an outbreak once per year... same month every year (don't know why that is exactly!). Taking the antiviral medication should completely clear up the virus, so if you are still having irritants beyond your discontinuation of the prescription, it's likely a different irritant, not the HSV. I have learned that yeast infections sometimes go hand in hand with having an HSV breakout, so double check that. Otherwise I would suggest trial and error with removing any potential irritants (soaps, etc). For pain or inflammation during outbreaks, I like to use aloe (just the tube from walgreens!), it's a lifesaver. Also, I combine a few drops of tea tree oil + 1/2 cup of water and use this as a rinse anytime I have an outbreak (also, it makes yeast infections go away very quickly). Thought I would throw some tips your way for better pain management! I promise the outbreaks, if you ever get another one, are MUCH less severe and painful than the first one!! 

[Lisajd]

It can also be subconscious thoughts and not being relaxed.  I think in the beginning your vagina changes. I was quite dry.  Just try lube maybe too

[clairemn]

34 minutes ago, Lisajd said:

It can also be subconscious thoughts and not being relaxed.  I think in the beginning your vagina changes. I was quite dry.  Just try lube maybe too

That happened to me too, I remember knowing that I was getting a OB if I was getting more dry. I also was super paranoid the first year and my doc told me I was just thinking about it too much. I kept insisting I was having an OB because I had all the symptoms but he examined me and said I was not having one, so the mind is definitely powerful!