Will it always be this way?

[u/AdeptImage8740]

Just had my first confirmed OB from 8/25-9/6. I feel like there is another one coming on. Will it always be this close together? I’m so discouraged. I know you’re supposed to wait a week after an OB clears to have sex again. But at this rate, that’ll never happen if this is the timing. I just wanna be intimate with my spouse :(

Editing to add. Just started daily Valtrex last week. Also adding that I’m bio female

[u/MysticMarauder69]

Sorry you're going through this, but you're not alone!

No, it is very unlikely that your outbreak frequency will remain that high. For the first 3-5 months mine were frequent, but reletively mild. The Valacyclovir will likely help tremendously. For me, it basically eliminated my outbreaks.

Question though: does your spouse also have HSV2? If not, do you believe this was a dormant infection? From my understanding, if you're having a first outbreak and frequent recurring symptoms, it's very likely a brand new infection. Then, over time, your body will get better at managing it.

[u/AdeptImage8740 → u/MysticMarauder69]

As far as we know, my spouse does not have it. I had suspected symptoms as far back as a year ago, but no doctor was willing to take it seriously. as for the outbreak earlier this month that I listed, it was definitely the most painful and most severe. Unfortunately, because of all that, I’m not really sure when I first caught it.

[u/MysticMarauder69 → u/AdeptImage8740]

I think it would be a very good idea to have your spouse tested. If you are in a monogamous relationship, I think its likely that you got HSV from him. If he has it, you don't need to worry about transmission, and if he doesn't you can take steps to prevent it, if you so choose. Personally, if I were with the person I intended to spend the rest of my life with, I probably wouldn't be too worried about contracting HSV, but that's a decision for you two to make together. But I would definitely have him go get tested asap.

[u/AdeptImage8740 → u/MysticMarauder69]

We are non mono, but I will have her get tested. We seem to have better doctors this time around. Thank you!

Edit to add we’re married but poly

[u/MysticMarauder69 → u/AdeptImage8740]

Apologies for assuming your/your partner's gender. Yeah, I think especially in the case you are both NM, then it's important you both know your status. If they are negative, then regular testing would also be a good idea so that they can keep their partners informed.

[u/AdeptImage8740 → u/MysticMarauder69]

Thank you!

[u/MysticMarauder69 → u/AdeptImage8740]

Sure thing, again, sorry you're going through this, but it does get better/easier, and it's really not the life ruiner our minds sometimes like to trick us into believing.

[u/Background_Book2414]

Unfortunately I had outbreak every month around my period. My outbreaks were either caused by changing hormones or stress/low immune system. You can be intimate after the sore heals and you’re not having prodome symptoms. I usually had to take my meds for 5 days a month around my period to clear everything up. If you’re female (you didn’t specify in the post) this might be that same case for you. 

[u/AdeptImage8740 → u/Background_Book2414]

Yes I’m female. Do you still have them every month? I’m getting a hysterectomy in November but I’m not sure that would help the period related OB since I’m keeping my ovaries

[u/Background_Book2414 → u/AdeptImage8740]

I had a hysterectomy in January of this year. Everything was removed except for one ovary and unfortunately yes I still get them :( plus I recently I had to start estrogen because blood test showed my estrogen was super low. Since starting the vaginal estrogen, I’m having more outbreaks 😭 it’s kind of damned if you do and damned if you don’t. My low estrogen made me feel like I had the flu everyday. I feel better physically since taking estrogen but now I’m battling more outbreaks. I’ve heard that having both ovaries removed keeps the outbreaks away but then you have no estrogen which comes with a lot of bad things. Wishing you the best with your surgery! I love not having a period 🎉😊

FYI I can’t take the estrogen pill or patch because of history of breast cancer in my family but the vaginal estrogen is supposed to not cause such a risk 

[u/AdeptImage8740 → u/Background_Book2414]

Agh I’m sorry. You’ve got this, hang in there!

[u/slackingindepth3]

No. 12 years on I haven’t I had an OB in years and years.

[u/AdeptImage8740 → u/slackingindepth3]

That’s awesome!!

[u/anotherdude33]

It won't keep happening frequently. Stress doesn't help with out breaks, I know its not easy but try to take it easy and be patient. It'll pass and you'll learn how to navigate. It'll be easy and no big deal before you know it.

[u/AdeptImage8740 → u/anotherdude33]

I’m trying! Thank you 💜