Question:
I have had HSV-2 for 22 years. The frequency of my outbreaks varies, not sure how nutrition and lifestyle affect the outbreaks, too much information out there!

It seems like almost all of my outbreaks are near my rectum, instead of on my penis. This wasn't always the case. I am straight.

Any thoughts?

Answer:
Hi there I'm Christi,

I've had herpes for five years and in the first couple of years I had very frequent outbreaks (10+) per year!! I went on Valtrex which was increased to four times per day and it did nothing. I then changed to Famvir which has made a miraculous difference. There are things that you can do with your diet which some people swear by....I'm not very knowledegable with the nutritional, natural stuff but there are plenty people here who are so make sure you spend some time reading through previous posts. The one thing I did do was eliminate peanut butter completely from my diet (I was addicted and ate it at least once per day).
I'm pretty sure that that has helped also.

As for your outbreaks occuring around your rectum this is not unsual, the same thing happens to me..... and believe me I am not flexible to the suggestion that my rectum be included in sexual requests!!!!! (just personal) :shock: Outbreaks occuring there are simply just a right pain in the ahem bum!!

My doctor told me however that the virus does like to move around a little when it comes to the nerve paths that run down from it preferred resting place, the base of the spine and occaisionally it for some odd reason chooses to follow the nerve path to the anus/rectum area. So please don't feel as though the virus is trying to 'tell you something' it just gets a little voyeuristic at times in where it wants to travel too!

Christi :)

Answer:
Now that's a bummer! I thought autoinnoculation was the only way this happend. On the other hand I have read (on MSN) that you are suseptible anywhere around the boxer short region and have wondered if a rash on my inner thighs I once had, wasn't really an ob. i have only known I have had it for about two months but contracted sometime in '03. I would love to hear some more on this subject from the "more experienced" on this board.

Answer:
As far as I've researched a herpes outbreak can occur on you tail bone 'bottom crack' (to put it politely) and even right down to your ankles. I sure that this is uncommon but I guess if you have genital herpes which resides at the base of the spine it can pick and choose where it wants to appear. From what I've read it's not uncommon for someone to have an outbreak anywhere on the buttocks, thighs, groin and genitals.

I think it's uncommon for it to travel further than between the tail bone and upper thigh area but I'm only assuming that from what I have read and others have told me....I am by no means an expert clinically! In the past five years I have, as I said earlier experienced frequent outbreaks but only in my genital area, left or right side of my vagina (sorry to be so graffic) and later the unmentionable part of my derriere! If I do ever get an outbreak on my thigh or bottom cheek I have learnt not to panic as I don't think the virus generally favours these parts. Perhaps it just chooses a vulnerable nerve path depending on what is happening with your immune system at the time.

Christi