I have been living with genital herpes for 12 years. A few years after I contracted it I noticed that I didn't lubricate the same during arousal and sexual intercourse. Now it is like a desert, it is so dry, I no longer lubricate well at all for sex, in comparison to sexual history before I contracted it. Also, I am fairly light skinned and my genital area has become so dark, almost brown/black. The partner who infected me with this virus also had the same color of the genitals and had I known this was a long term symptom of herpes, I could have prevented infection. I have seen numerous gynecologists and none of them seem to be knowledgable of the subject or helpful in answering my questions. I have done research and can't find anywhere, these symptoms of the long term affects of genital herpes. Why does this happen, what causes these changes and how can I change it or work with it to increase a better sexual experience?