His and Her Health

I contracted GHSV-1 in Nov. 2004, after receiving oral sex from my partner of 4 years. There is just one area near the entrance of my vagina that was sore - I never saw a blister, instead, it was like a raw spot of flesh, or a tear. The doctor did a couple of swab cultures, but they never grew any virus. I was treated with a 10 day course of 500mg Valtrex, which initially made the symptoms go away, but the sore never healed.

Eventually I had a blood test, and I was negative for HSV2, and positive from HSV1, so the doctor concluded that although the culture never grew virus, that it must be GHSV1. I had a couple of episodes of soreness and nerve pain over the next few months, and eventually, I had to start taking 1G of Valtrex each day. I have continued this dosage for approximately 6 months now. Even on the valtrex, I still have episodes of tingling in my genitals and even left leg and foot, occasional sharp shooting pains in my genitals, and nerve pain in what feels like my descending colon. If I miss even one day of the Valtrex, it gets much worse. It looks as though I will be taking it for the rest of my life. I still have the same sore torn area from the initial infection. Anytime I have any type of penetration, it becomes very irritated.

My gynecologist basically said there was nothing more I could do, and that some people just have this neuralgia and/or continuous breakouts forever. I am willing to get the best treatment possible, regardless of cost. I am 29, and I cannot imagine living the rest of my life like this.

Is there any specialist I might see who might know of anything more I can do? I understand that most people with GHSV1 rarely have another outbreak, but I guess I'm just one of the lucky few who will have continuous syptoms forever.

Thanks.

Hello Needhelp-

This sounds like a miserable problem. Although I can't comment specifically on your case, it makes me think of two things I would recommend:
1) Get a second opinion to make sure nothing else is being missed on the exam that might be contrtibuting to your problem;
2) Do whatever you can to boost your immune system function- from eating healthier to getting plenty of rest, and of course refraining from smoking.
Many times, HSV infections will diminish in their intensity over time, even if nothing else changes. I wouldn't assume this will last a long time.

Good luck!
Dr. Bruce

I think you need to see a vulvar specialist in your area. This could be a vulvar skin problem.

(Eg. Lichen planus) on the vulva and near the vagina can cause raw areas.
See another doctor and have some more tests.
Good Luck