Please help! Question about Female Genital Herpes

[Pumpkin5]

Not to totally kill the Literotica mood, but unfortunately my sister was diagnosed with genital herpes. I took her to the ER, because she was in terrible pain. The doctor told us that there was no way to test for herpes unless you can see a visible outbreak, thus upon her examination she diagnosed my sister. Now here is where I ask anyone who is willing to offer advice and/or knows someone or themselves has genital herpes....

1) I read online that there are ways to test for genital herpes...is it likely that the doctor could diagnose someone from just a visual examination?

2) The doctor also told us that, despite popular belief, herpes is not capable of being spread unless the person is experiencing an outbreak. I have also read differently online.

3) Any idea approximately how many outbreaks occur on a yearly basis?

4) Through insurance, the Valtrex cost approx 200 dollars...is there any way to receive this medication for cheaper?

Additional information:
My sister is going to the gynecologist tomorrow to get a specialist's opinion. This will be her first time going (she's 20). She is in a long term relationship. Her symptoms were extreme burning and itching. She was treating it as a yeast infection, but was using Monistat, Vagisil, Balmex, Yogurt, Diflucan and a topical cream that her boyfriend's mother gave her that she used when she had a yeast infection under her breasts (the doctor at the ER said that this cream isn't meant for a vaginal yeast infection). She obviously had NO idea what she was doing and didn't want to go to the doctor because she was afraid. The doctor at the ER agreed that my sister, as well as the herpes, does in fact also have a yeast infection so she is being treated for that as well.

I apologize for the length and content of this message. I'm just so desperate and beside myself. Any answers/comments/opinions are greatly appreciated on here or through pm. Thanks so much for reading.

 

[sadangel]

Not to totally kill the Literotica mood, but unfortunately my sister was diagnosed with genital herpes. I took her to the ER, because she was in terrible pain. The doctor told us that there was no way to test for herpes unless you can see a visible outbreak, thus upon her examination she diagnosed my sister. Now here is where I ask anyone who is willing to offer advice and/or knows someone or themselves has genital herpes....

1) I read online that there are ways to test for genital herpes...is it likely that the doctor could diagnose someone from just a visual examination?

2) The doctor also told us that, despite popular belief, herpes is not capable of being spread unless the person is experiencing an outbreak. I have also read differently online.

3) Any idea approximately how many outbreaks occur on a yearly basis?

4) Through insurance, the Valtrex cost approx 200 dollars...is there any way to receive this medication for cheaper?

Additional information:
My sister is going to the gynecologist tomorrow to get a specialist's opinion. This will be her first time going (she's 20). She is in a long term relationship. Her symptoms were extreme burning and itching. She was treating it as a yeast infection, but was using Monistat, Vagisil, Balmex, Yogurt, Diflucan and a topical cream that her boyfriend's mother gave her that she used when she had a yeast infection under her breasts (the doctor at the ER said that this cream isn't meant for a vaginal yeast infection). She obviously had NO idea what she was doing and didn't want to go to the doctor because she was afraid. The doctor at the ER agreed that my sister, as well as the herpes, does in fact also have a yeast infection so she is being treated for that as well.

I apologize for the length and content of this message. I'm just so desperate and beside myself. Any answers/comments/opinions are greatly appreciated on here or through pm. Thanks so much for reading.

I don't have personal experience with this, but I am 100% certian that the doctor is wrong on Question 2. You CAN spread herpes even when you ARE NOT having an outbreak!! Often this is when it is spread, because doctor's like the ER doctor are giving WRONG information. Your sister needs to see an actual gynocologist and get the REAL information. *I had an excellent doctor that gave me a lot of information when she found out I was a lesbian and in a lesbian relationship. She wanted us to know that some diseases can be spread through female/female contact, even though it was not something that was a problem for us, as we both made sure we were STD/HIV Free.

Tell her to ask the doctor the very questions you just asked and any others she may have. Tell her NOT to worry that she is asking "stupid" questions as any doctor worth their salt will take time to really answer. It is entirely possible she may have a yeast infection or a different type of fungal infection that is causing the problems.

 

[WifesPlaything]

1. Yes, Herpes can and is diagnosed based on visual appearrance and the patient's symptoms alone, however it's always best to get a confirmatory test if there is an active outbreak at the time of the examination.

2. I second sadangel in saying her doc is completely bass-aackwards WRONG about herpes transmission capabilities. It most certainly CAN be transmitted even in the absence of an active outbreak - how do you think so many people contract it in the first place? i know I cartainly wouldn't come into intimate contact with anyone in the middle of a full-blown outbreak on their mouth/genitals, which is usually easily observable during foreplay in many cases - google pics of it online if you're wondering what to look for...

3. The number of outbreaks in a given year can vary widely between individuals. If the patient has a normal, healthy immune system it can be anywhere from one or two/year to monthly or even more frequent. Much depends on other factors in their lives such as stress, repeated exposure, other medical problems, etcc

4. Sorry I can't help you here... maybe join the military?

 

[SweetErika]

Acyclovir is a generic antiviral that's very similar to Valtrex, and it's far cheaper. The dosing is different, however. She should talk to her doctor about cheaper alternatives for Valtrex, and whether something like acyclovir might work for her instead.

Herpes outbreaks usually decrease as time goes on. For instance, I used to get several cold sores a year, whereas now (20+ years post-infection; my mom probably gave it to me when I was little), I usually go years between outbreaks. As others have noted, there are many other factors, but if your sister is healthy, takes care of herself, and especially takes a prophylactic medication like Valtrex, she can probably look forward to fewer outbreaks as time goes on.

Last time I got blood drawn, I noticed the STD panel included HSV 1 & 2 testing, so I think it can be checked via blood as well. I'm sure the blood test isn't always terribly accurate, and know a lot of standard STD panels don't include HSV or HPV, but I'm guessing there's something in addition to observation and a smear of the product of a lesion.

Go with the info from the trusted sources, for sure. The CDC, herpes-specific, Planned Parenthood, STD and university health sites usually have the latest, most accurate info. Doctors certainly don't know everything, or even close, so it's important to do your own research and check info w/ your doctor.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Keep in mind that genital herpes isnt limited to the genitals; people get genital herpes on their lips and in their eyes. In the eyes is very dangerous because of blindness threat.

 

[Shadowann2]

I have had Herpes for over 10 years. I was diagnosed both through a physical exam and skin swab. I found out that I have oral herpes in my genital area. As a result, I have only had 2 breakouts in 10 years. It had been almost 6 years since my last breakout. I was with my exhusband for 5 of those years and never gave it to him, even though I was not on an antiviral drug. I have been told by my doctor and found in online research that you are contagious 24 hours before any visible signs of a breakout appear...ergo: you could be contagious at any given moment. I feel tired, weak, and have flu-like symptoms a few days before I break out. The pain of a breakout is incredible; once you have one, there is no mistaking a reoccurance.

She needs to see a gynocologist to get on medication for the breakout and to be sure she is having a yeast infection as well. They can do a quick, easy test for the yeast infection. She should have a blood test and a swab done to confirm the herpes. If she can afford the antivirals, I recomend she get one them, but understand, they do not keep you from being contagious. The mearly help cut down on the number of breakouts you have. A breakout is often triggered by stress on your body. The flu, pnumoia, pregnancy, over exhaustion...all of these can trigger a breakout.

If she ever gets pregnant, she MUST make sure her OB/GYN knows she has herpes. She will be tested prior to birth for a break out. If it is positive, she will have to have a c-section, as an active out break can lead to complications such as blindness in her baby during a vaginal birth. However, I have had 3 vaginal births since being diagnosed, with no complications.

I wish your sister the best of luck. It is not an easy thing to live with. I hope she is responsible and tells all of her future partners BEFORE she has sex with them. I have found that the men who are worth their salt will do their reasearch and be willing to move forward. Those that don't: you don't want in your life anyway.

P.S. WebMD is a good resource for accurate information, in additon, of course, to her doctor.

 

[massage45678]

Herpes Help

You can feel free to pm me about this. I've had herpes for about 2 years and know quite a bit about it.

There are several blood tests to check for the presence of the virus.

Here is a website that lists all of the tests available for diagnosis: http://www.herpesdiagnosis.com/blood.html

This website is a wealth of great information for your sister. http://www.ashastd.org/

The 1st outbreak is generally quite long and painful, but they get much better after the 1st one.

Acyclovir is extremely inexpensive. I think it's $4 for a 2 or 3 month supply.

You can stop an outbreak from happening by taking Acyclovir within 24 hours of feeling the signs of one coming on... tingling, slight pain in thigh region. Most public health clinics will test for the virus and can prescribe if she doesn't have a PCP.

 

[dashd]

Not to totally kill the Literotica mood, but unfortunately my sister was diagnosed with genital herpes. I took her to the ER, because she was in terrible pain. The doctor told us that there was no way to test for herpes unless you can see a visible outbreak, thus upon her examination she diagnosed my sister. Now here is where I ask anyone who is willing to offer advice and/or knows someone or themselves has genital herpes....

1) I read online that there are ways to test for genital herpes...is it likely that the doctor could diagnose someone from just a visual examination?

2) The doctor also told us that, despite popular belief, herpes is not capable of being spread unless the person is experiencing an outbreak. I have also read differently online.

3) Any idea approximately how many outbreaks occur on a yearly basis?

4) Through insurance, the Valtrex cost approx 200 dollars...is there any way to receive this medication for cheaper?

Additional information:
My sister is going to the gynecologist tomorrow to get a specialist's opinion. This will be her first time going (she's 20). She is in a long term relationship. Her symptoms were extreme burning and itching. She was treating it as a yeast infection, but was using Monistat, Vagisil, Balmex, Yogurt, Diflucan and a topical cream that her boyfriend's mother gave her that she used when she had a yeast infection under her breasts (the doctor at the ER said that this cream isn't meant for a vaginal yeast infection). She obviously had NO idea what she was doing and didn't want to go to the doctor because she was afraid. The doctor at the ER agreed that my sister, as well as the herpes, does in fact also have a yeast infection so she is being treated for that as well.

I apologize for the length and content of this message. I'm just so desperate and beside myself. Any answers/comments/opinions are greatly appreciated on here or through pm. Thanks so much for reading.

There is a way to diagnosis by laboratory analysis of a scraping of the lesion. Although you can be 85% sure my history and exam, there are conditions which mimck herpes simplex infections. I am not sure whether there is a blood test or not?

 

[dashd]

Here's wher I'd go for information:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/default.htm

 

[pimpslap]

http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook.html

\more good info

 

[Jagged]

I can't offer much in the way of knowledge other than I heard from a friend at a party her brother dealt with something very similar to herpes. It turned out it is very rare and acts much the same way. I don't recall the condition, but it was so rare that many doctors and med students joined his doctor on rounds just to see him and his chart.

I wish your sister the best of luck. From what I understand they're year away from anything that could be called a cure, but if she is responsible she can have a long happy life. Sex just requires more planning and well there are so many nonsexual aspects of a relationship to enjoy. I hope her involvement with her boyfriend is over. I will keep a good thought for her.

 

[ChrisPharmD]

The doctor is correct. It is less likely to spread herpes when there is no outbreak.