Question:
About 3 weeks ago I had unprotected sex with a one night stand. The next morning I woke up hungover, feeling dirty, and ashamed. Later in the day I felt symptoms coming on like a yeast infection. I went to the store and bought a 3 day medicine. It seemed to work and I didn't think twice of it. Till a couple days ago, it seemed instantaneous, I woke up itching horribly, and had painful swelling. I was terrified and started doing research on different std's. It seems to be getting worse by the minute and i'm positive it is HSV2. There are red and white bumps, and a overall rash. It just hurts and itches so bad. The sores are on my buttox, thighs, and overall genital areal. It makes it so it hurts to stand, sit, or even lay down. I know I need to see a dr., I called today and they told me at planned parenthood that testing and medications if positive would be around $100, which might not seem like much for most people, but I am a college student living on my own and can't afford that right now. Will the OB run it's course, or is it just going to keep getting worse till I get some medicine. I know that it was my own recklessness that caused this, and i'm not sure if I can cope with this. Should I be scared of giving this to someone by toliet seat, sharing clothes? I'm still in shock, I find it very comforting to see things written by other people who have been going through this. How do you cope with finding out something that will change the rest of my live?

Answer:
Hi Cassiemarie,
welcome!

I can certainly understand what you're going through with not really being able to afford to go to the doctor. but I think it's really important that you do go. In my experience, my first outbreak was SO bad... and it kept getting worse until I got some medicine. plus, it's best to get tested when you're having an outbreak. maybe the clinic can do the test and give you some samples of meds until the results come in, and bill you for the test?? If not, I would check with some doctors instead of PP, this is what my doctor did at the time. In fact, it seems like it was several weeks before I got the bill, and I paid it in installments. I would think that PP would at least be willing to work with you on this, or maybe the health department, or an STD clinic.

The virus doesn't live long outside of the body, so you don't have to worry too much about spreading it by toilet seats, but I do think it's a good idea to not share clothes or towels. (there is some controversy that the virus can live in a wet environment... like a wet towel)

Remember that 1 in 4 people have this...many have it and don't know it. I try to look at it as I'm one of the lucky few who KNOW I have it :wink: You are not dirty, don't feel ashamed. You are not alone. It will get better. educate yourself as much as you can, and learn how to minimize it's effect on your life. I know it's alot to take in right now. What you need to do right now is take care of yourself and get to a doctor. Once you start feeling better this won't be so overwhelming.
Take care of yourself and keep visiting... this place can really help!

Answer:
Planned Parenthood operates on a sliding scale basis. I am a college student as well and have a minimal income. I got diagnosed and presribed acyclovir for FREE. I just left a $10 donation . I also am in Ca. Call ur local PP and ask yourself. I don't see why it would be different. (note* u might want to fib a little on how much u make just in case the scale starts extremely low) Also, about clothes and stuff, the virus is very contagious but like all microrganisms and such they can't survive for long on inanimate objects or in dry, cool evironments. However I wouldnt be sharing bathing suits and underwear. Just make sure things are completely washed and cleaned before swapping w/ someone. I think it would also be wise to wash hand towels and other such towels and every few days sanitize things like the toilet seat, door handles etc.