Question:
Hi everyone!
I am new here, and I just was diagnosed with HSV. I started having symptoms last week, I thought I had a very bad yeast infection, so I bought a Monistat, used it...but no relief. Finally by Sunday, I couldn't stand the pain any more, so I went to an urgent medical care. Much to my shock & surprise the Doctor told me that I had Genital Herpes!( I said "how is that possible", she told me I must of been in contact with someone(down there) who had a cold sore, I never have) She gave me a perscription for 10 days of Acyclovir and to call later in the week for the official test result. So I called today and the culture was positive for HSV-1. For the life of me I can't figure out how I've contracted this. I have been with my boyfriend for 11 1/2 years (we have both been faithful), neither of us have ever had a cold sore, I am completely baffled. Is it possible this has been dormant in my body for my whole life? My mother always gets cold sores (and always has) is it possible she passed this on to me in utero? I don't know...I am so confused. I have been taking hot baths with aveeno to help dry up the sores( I think it's helping slowly). Honestly my biggest problem right now is when I have to pee....the burning is like nothing I have ever experienced:eek:. Sorry to ramble on....I am hoping somebody can help me to understand what's going on. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!!
Thanks!

Answer:
I seriously doubt that it was passed to you in-utero but more likely mom kissed you as a kid and you got it then. Or someone in your childhood. Oral herpes coldsores are very very common.

It is entirely possible to even have had a blister on your lip when you were young that you don't remember and to never have one again.

The problem is that you could pass it to your partner through kissing or even if you performed oral sex on him and then he passed it back to you. There are plenty of folks who have it and never have an out break (ob) and/or never notice the symptoms because they are so mild.

The virus can shed asymptomatically and this would explain why it is such a mystery as well.

The aveeno baths are very helpful as are epsom salts. Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose comfy panties and clothing until it calms down. Some people find relief for urination by peeing in the shower with the water running over you to ease the pain or to pour water over themselves while using the toilet. This will go away soon. Crazy as it is drink lots of water to dilute the urines acidity.

If there are blisters wait until they recede or scab over before applying anything that has petroleum in it. If there is itching you can use a fine body powder to soothe the area and keep it dry or I like the Summer's Eve anti-itch gel. Avoid products containing hydrocortisone when sores are new and fresh.

Also wash your hands alot if they come into contact with sores and avoid touching other parts of your body after touching sores.

Answer:
The same exact thing happened to me. My dr said that my BF probably was a carrier for HSV1 and hasn't had any symptoms in years and years and YEARS. I got it from oral sex with him...lucky me!