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I have recurrent herpes outbreaks after my periods. Is it normal?
I had my first outbreak on May 2013. I took the blood test but it came negative. After that for months I was feeling uncomfortable during my periods (itchy and uncomfortable, sometimes with outbreaks). Two months ago, I went to the doctor and she took a culture. The result showed that it was herpes. She prescribed me with valtrex, first 5 days 1000 mg and the next 5 days, 500 mg. I had to put acyglovir topically as well. I was feeling fine until my next period. I got another outbreak. My doctor prescribed me a supressive valtrex therapy (500 mg daily). But my period started again and I am feeling itchy and unconformable (I might have a rash on the genitalia). It is the second week that I am taking valtrex, why would I get an outbreak? Will I get outbreaks each time my period starts or ends? Is it possible that I have another infection too? Thanks.
Yes, I was on daily Valtrex (1G) for a few years, specifically for this reason, and partly also because I wanted to prevent transmission to any non-H partners. However, the typical case appears to be that our recurrences lessen in both frequency and intensity as the years pass, as our systems get better at fighting the virus. My own recurrences pretty much dwindled to almost nothing in the subsequent 15 years following diagnosis. I got off suppression 2-3 years after getting on it.
if you are getting yeast infections frequently, talk to your gyn about some prevention. I also recommend fem dophilus by jarrow. it has terrific research behind it that shows that it decreases vaginitis in females. you can buy it online and store it in the fridge.
Are you taking any medications that made you outbreak free? or anything particular to boost your immune system?
Dr. Anna Wald confirmed to me in August that hormones can be a factor in triggering recurrences. I also had an outbreak once a month around my period, for a couple of years.
Thank you very much. I also have yeast infection. I received treatment and now it's not as severe as it used to be. But each time before or after my periods, when body's Ph changes, it shows up.
2 or 3 weeks after that. It was soon. My doctor explained that the antibodies haven't yet produced in the body, that was why it wasn't shown in the test.
acyclovir ointment at this point is pretty much useless. your provider should update their knowledge on it and stop wasting patients money on it. it's ineffective for recurrences of genital herpes.
at this point, be seen and get properly tested for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally. typically daily suppressive therapy does a good job at decreasing recurrences. certainly having recurrences around your period isn't unusual at all however the suppressive therapy should decrease them dramatically. if you have a vaginitis going on, that can trigger herpes to be more active, even with suppressive therapy so ruling out that as a cause is a good idea.
grace
at this point, be seen and get properly tested for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally. typically daily suppressive therapy does a good job at decreasing recurrences. certainly having recurrences around your period isn't unusual at all however the suppressive therapy should decrease them dramatically. if you have a vaginitis going on, that can trigger herpes to be more active, even with suppressive therapy so ruling out that as a cause is a good idea.
grace
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
