[Question #505] Last time returning, I promise.

106 months ago

just going to be completely honest, and confess that I have an irrational fear of contracting genital herpes. I have been seeing a therapist and was doing very well with my OCD, until my therapist left me and now I transitioned to a new therapist that isn't as helpful. While I've been adjusting, I've had a really bad relapse.I know that I do not have hsv 2 because I have not been intimate in years and was just tested. I do however have hsv 1 orally. I rarely get outbreaks, but when they do occur it is under my nose. I'm having a hard time coping with life right now, and this morning noticed a burning sensation on my chin. I saw two red bumps on this site as well, but they don't itch so I'm not so sure it's an outbreak. However, I have this really bad habit of checking myself genitally daily and today I did that. I'm so afraid that I accidentally touched the spot on my chin and then touched my genitals. I then noticed a small, tiny bump on my labia and now it burns because I have examined it all day :(

In addition, 3 years ago I had an outbreak under my nose. I was stupidly picking at it and then touched my genitals without washing my hands. At this point, I had tested positive with a value greater than 8.0. I do not recall getting a genital outbreak after this.I know you guys are not here to be therapists or give advice, but I'm in severe desperate need. Is there any helpful advice you could give me, that has maybe helped other patients with this same irrational fear?

Also:

1. Should I be worried about the tiny bump on my labia?

2. Do you think I could have passed my oral infection to myself genitally a couple years ago when I had an outbreak?

3. Is there anyway u can put into perspective the statistics of passing my oral infection to myself genitally so that I can rationally understand the likelihood of this?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

106 months ago

I don't believe that you should be worried about the tiny bump on you labia. It is extremely rare for you to have HSV 1 in one location and then acquire it in a second location on your body
I do not think you passed the virus from one location to another, I really and truly do not.
I have seen personally one case of someone who reported that they had cold sores as a child and then tested positive from a genital swab for HSV 1 and have heard about it once on a board post. This is after 33 years of practice, specializing in genital herpes infections.
Does that help?

Terri
---

106 months ago

Thank you for being so kind Terri. Usually people treat me very badly due to my condition. I know it is irrational and stupid, but it's honestly a genuine struggle.

The bump is tiny, and does not hurt unless I touch and pick at the area. Other than that, it does not burn or itch. I wouldn't even know it was there had I not touched today.

Did this person claim that they got genital herpes from touching a cold sore and then touching their genitals, or did they contract it by receiving oral from someone after they already had hsv 1 orally?

That puts it into perspective. So basically, would you say that I'm more likely to get hit by lightening then to contract genital herpes by passing my oral infection to myself genitally?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

106 months ago

No, the person who was in our clinic believed that she acquired HSV 1 genitally from receiving oral sex.
LOL, yes I think you are more likely to be hit by lightening, Chance. I'm sorry this is so hard for you. You are not alone.
Terri
---