Hi there, I have recently found out that I have genital HSV1 (I've done a blood test for antibodies). I don't have the typical clinical outbreaks but I do get an atypical recurring sore and itching and burning down there, symptoms which I have a hard time imagining handling without my regular valacyclovir. I take 3000 mg per day, it is the dosage that I need to feel normal and to (almost) not have symptoms, it also really helps me psychologically to deal with my situation. However, my doctor has warned me  that long term, this is not a good solution because valacyclovir has a high probability of damaging your kidneys or even stopping them from working altogether. What does research tell us about kidney damage and/or failure with respect to taking valacyclovir? As for myself, I am 32 years old, and aside from the HSV1 in pretty great health, no issues really, except for this. I quit smoking and I exercise regularly. What would you recommend me to do? Is it safe for me to keep taking this for years or even all my life? Or is it not worth the risk? 

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I determined it by having regular cold sores on my lips and by having similar and continuous  symptoms down there - and then by taking a type specific blood test for IgG antibodies which came back positive for HSV1 and negative for HSV2. I did the antibody test after I went to get tested for all other STDs dozens of times without switching partners and everything came back negative, so there's no confusion about having other STDs. 

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