Hello.

My last sexual encounter was April 2020. Fast forward to this year, May 14, 2021, I am positive HSV2, negative HSV1, and all other STI'S. I have a few questions I didn't get a chance to ask the Doctor at the time because of the initial shock.

Is this going to kill me? The thought of having an unknown virus inside of me for the rest of my life scares me. Can I still live a long fulfilling life?

What is going to happen if I get sick with say the normal cold? Or sick at all...is the herpes virus going to make it worse? Complicate it?

I am currently on the birth control nexplanon, (i have had it for 3 years going onto 4 and would like to continue it as it removes my period),  is it okay to continue having this with the virus and anti-viral? I have been taking the antiviral since I went to the doctor on May 14 and although she told me to take it for 10 days, I would just want to keep taking it for the rest of my life.

I would like to start taking vitamin c, zinc, and lysine one time a day, is this okay with my nexplanon and antiviral?  If I add zoloft into the mix ( for my depression) is that okay? or will it be harmful?

How long does the first outbreak last? My outbreak started on the left side of my labia, it started as redness and grew into a raw cut. The antiviral has helped as it has healed and now it is smaller. I noticed last night, what I thought is redness on my right side of my labia, is it normal for a second outbreak to begin like this? I am hoping the antiviral stops this.  After the initial outbreak, how many times per year will these outbreaks arise? What determines it?

Thank You

 

What is the number associated with your HSV 2 positive result?

More than 60% of the entire population has one or the other herpes simplex virus - it will certainly not kill you!  The herpes virus will not complicate other health conditions.

It's fine to continue with your Nexplanon.

You can take those other medications with your antiviral, yes

Was the swab test positive for HSV 2 from a lesion or did you have a blood test done - I'm a little confused.  Has the right side been swab tested as well?

People with HSV 2 have 4-6 outbreaks per year, on average.

Terri

My positive status was determined by a culture swab. I did give a pee and blood test for all other stis. 

I don’t believe at the time the other side was swabed at the time. 

Should I test again? I think I let that idea go during my initial shock. 

So when you say that you are HSV 2 positive, HSV 1 negative, you mean you are positive by the swab test for type 2?  I don't think you need to test again really.  If there were lesions and they were swab tested positive for HSV 2, you have HSV 2.  If this was a new infection, it is not uncommon for both sides of the labia to be involved - they are called "kissing lesions" when they are on opposite sides of the labia at the same time. 

Terri