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HSV-2 outbreaks becoming much more frequent and severe.
I contracted genital HSV-2 around 10 years ago. Diagnosed via swab test. During the first 8 years or so I was lucky and had very infrequent outbreaks. Anywhere from 2-4 per year. They were quite mild also. Over the most recent 2 years I have been getting much more frequent outbreaks, like once every 4-6 weeks. Plus, they are much more severe in nature. I have no idea as to why this is happening. I have had no major changes in lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress, etc. I do have a script for Valtrex, which I use as-needed for outbreaks but not as a daily suppressive therapy (don’t really want/need another pill to take daily). I know there doesn’t seem to be any good cause-and-effect information out there as to why this happens, but any insight or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
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You don't mention if you are male or female, so I'm just going to throw things out, and some may or may not apply to you.
Often, when this happens, it's because of a secondary infection, like yeast, bacterial vaginosis, another STD like gonorrhea or chlamydia. It would be a good idea to get checked for those, at least to just rule that out. Two years would be a long time for this with no other symptoms, but since it's a frequent cause, I have to mention it.
Have you started using a new soap or laundry detergent, wearing a new brand of underwear, etc.? If you are having an allergic reaction to something, or even a sensitivity, sometimes that can trigger outbreaks.
Had you started shaving the area? Waxing? Doing anything differently? Start using a new grooming product for the area?
When was the last time you had a physical? Besides a secondary infection like yeast, BV or another STD, things like other chronic health conditions can sometimes make it harder for herpes to be in control. Think diabetes, for example. Even hormone fluctuations can cause this. You don't mention your age, but menopause could do it. Low testosterone if your male, having a baby if you're female, etc. If you're female, did you start a new birth control pill?
You mention not wanting "another pill" to take daily. You don't have to tell us what other pills you are taking daily, but did you start any of these other pills 2 years ago? Did you get diagnosed with something 2 years ago?
Have you been drinking more? Less? More or less of anything that you might not consider a lifestyle change, but could have an affect on your body?
Sometimes, unfortunately, we don't know why it happens. It just does.
And maybe don't think of it as another pill you have to take long term, but try it for 6 months, and then see if things are better. Often, after stopping suppression, you might get an outbreak, but then things go back to normal. It doesn't have to be forever, but maybe you can give your body a bit of a break? Just something to think about - no right or wrong answer there.
Often, when this happens, it's because of a secondary infection, like yeast, bacterial vaginosis, another STD like gonorrhea or chlamydia. It would be a good idea to get checked for those, at least to just rule that out. Two years would be a long time for this with no other symptoms, but since it's a frequent cause, I have to mention it.
Have you started using a new soap or laundry detergent, wearing a new brand of underwear, etc.? If you are having an allergic reaction to something, or even a sensitivity, sometimes that can trigger outbreaks.
Had you started shaving the area? Waxing? Doing anything differently? Start using a new grooming product for the area?
When was the last time you had a physical? Besides a secondary infection like yeast, BV or another STD, things like other chronic health conditions can sometimes make it harder for herpes to be in control. Think diabetes, for example. Even hormone fluctuations can cause this. You don't mention your age, but menopause could do it. Low testosterone if your male, having a baby if you're female, etc. If you're female, did you start a new birth control pill?
You mention not wanting "another pill" to take daily. You don't have to tell us what other pills you are taking daily, but did you start any of these other pills 2 years ago? Did you get diagnosed with something 2 years ago?
Have you been drinking more? Less? More or less of anything that you might not consider a lifestyle change, but could have an affect on your body?
Sometimes, unfortunately, we don't know why it happens. It just does.
And maybe don't think of it as another pill you have to take long term, but try it for 6 months, and then see if things are better. Often, after stopping suppression, you might get an outbreak, but then things go back to normal. It doesn't have to be forever, but maybe you can give your body a bit of a break? Just something to think about - no right or wrong answer there.
4 Comments
Thank you so much for the quick and detailed response. To address some of the questions or points you bring up; 1) I am a male; 2) current pills I take are for blood pressure and general anxiety and have been taking them for many years; 3) definitely no other STDs involved; 4) not drinking more than usual; 5) getting somewhat nearer to retirement so maybe more stressed about that than I realize; 6) no changes to clothing, soap; not shaving the area any differently, etc. ; 7) physical 1 year ago, have one scheduled in June.
Very diligent about that. Thanks again for your input.
Very diligent about that. Thanks again for your input.
Close to retirement - perhaps a drop in testosterone? Ask about that at your physical. Wouldn't hurt to get that checked.
I'm assuming you get your PSAs?
Blood pressure meds - do you get your BP monitored regularly?
I'm assuming you get your PSAs?
Blood pressure meds - do you get your BP monitored regularly?
I get complete blood work, etc. done annually. Blood pressure monitored regularly and very much under control. PSA, as well as everything else, is very good. Had my T tested a few years back and it was also good. Other than potential stress (maybe subconscious and more than I realize) from nearing retirement age and everything that goes with that. Bottom line is i can't think of any reason whatsoever as to what is making this happen. What I do know is that it is a very disturbing development. My most recent outbreak was by far the most severe. I may consider doing an EOD (every other day) regimen of Valtrex to see if that helps. Otherwise I may have to accept that I'm one of the unfortunate ones that end up with increased outbreaks over time vs. fewer. They obviously won't come up with a cure in my lifetime.
No, I don't expect them to find a cure in our lifetimes, unfortunately.
You are really diligent about your health - that's great.
Try EOD, see if that helps, or every day. I have to take a few meds daily (though I'm likely a bit younger than you), and I understand how it feels about adding another. I've been on Valtrex since I got herpes 15+ years ago because I had frequent outbreaks from the start, and it affected my life in a lot of ways.
If you can keep track of EOD, go for it. Let me know how you're doing, and if that works. I hope it does. :)
You are really diligent about your health - that's great.
Try EOD, see if that helps, or every day. I have to take a few meds daily (though I'm likely a bit younger than you), and I understand how it feels about adding another. I've been on Valtrex since I got herpes 15+ years ago because I had frequent outbreaks from the start, and it affected my life in a lot of ways.
If you can keep track of EOD, go for it. Let me know how you're doing, and if that works. I hope it does. :)
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
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STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
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Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
