Alright, so I am rather embarrassed to be posting about this. But, I feel as if I have no where else to go at this point because not really sure I want anyone to know.

I was diagnosed with genital herpes today. I had been having problems with bumps down there for 5 days or so, but was waiting for my appointment today to ask my doctor about it. He examined me, looked at me, and said "Have you ever had Herpes before?" I sat up so fast I tell you.

He prescribed me an antiviral-like medicine that is apparently safe to use during pregnancy, but have read that, that is not a definite thing. He acted as if it was no big deal, and I am sitting on a exam table literally freaking out.

I DID NOT KNOW I HAD HERPES!
I just cannot accept it like that!

He continued to tell me that it "wasn't the end of the world." But I surely felt like my world was coming to an end! He said that if my outbreak does not go away before the baby is read to come out I will have to have a c-section. This completely freaked me out even more, as I am very scared of having a c-section.

He did not even give me a blood test to make sure I actually have the virus. Although, he seemed very confident in his diagnosis. I still feel like I need a little more to go on, as I do not want to accept I will have this for the rest of my life!!

He told me that someone could have it for 10 years and not even know. But, the second your immune system is compromised you may have an outbreak, ie. pregnancy.

I was reading online, and it says it can take 2-4 weeks for an outbreak to completely be gone ... I only have a little over 4 weeks before I am due! I really do not want to have a c-section. And he mentioned that once you have a c-section, you are not allowed to have a vaginal birth afterwards. So, that means any future children I may have I would have to have a c-section with .... The whole idea just scares me.

I don't even know how I feel. I don't feel "normal" anymore. I had to come home and tell OH, he is going to get tested tomorrow. I am pretty sure I did not contract it from him, and I am pretty sure I know who I did. I think it was the first guy I ever slept with!! It just makes me so mad as that particular guy was a complete jerk and made my life hell ... and over a year and a half later he has managed to ruin it some more!!

I just cant imagine having this virus for the rest of my life! I just want to crawl in a hole at this point, as I feel so .... nasty. I mean, not that I really am that is just how I feel at this point ...

Any experiences? Advice?? It would be appreciated.

hey, im not so sure on anything about the Herpe's, all i know is one of my friends had it at uni..

BUT if you need a c-section dont worry because elective's are nothing like emergency's! They will be much more calmer, youll be awake etc, Also you CAN have a normal vaginal birth after a c section. VBAC's are very common! so fret not about that. Lets hope the med's work and it clears up x

I don't know much about herpes - but it does seem strange that he didn't test for it?? But maybe someone else can shine more light on the subject.
I did want to say though - that it is completely possible to have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC = Vaginal Birth AFter Cesarian). My friends sister had one with her last and it went perfectly smoothly - her section with her first didn't go very well (part of that because it was an emergency). So yes it is totally doable!!
xx

One. You are NOT NASTY.

Two. You can have a vaginal birth after a c-section. Its called a VBAC (vaginal birth after ceasarean).

Three. The reason you are having an outbreak is because your immune system is low. When mine is low its triggers thrush! Try your best not to worry (as this will keep it around for longer), pop a bit of dettol in your bath (look on the back of the bottle showing how much to use - dont worry its safe...) and keep the area dry and clean (go to bed with no knickers on) so the sores dry up and go away.

The doctor didnt sound very sympathetic.

Try and relax, 4 weeks is a long time. 2-4 weeks is estimate given by doctors.

aww hun
try not to get too worried about it.
It is so comman these days, especially in america for some reason.
Your doc is right when he says you will have it forever but it is only another version of the virus that gives you coldsores on your mouth.
Same virus but typw 2 instead of 1.

Its not the nicest thing in the world but can be controlled.
The first "outbreak" as such is always and medically proven i think as the worst of them. If you feel you might have another outbreak then you can start taking anti viral tabs to stop it before it actually appears "down there"

You may have been carrying it for years and only now its come up, or your partner may have been carrying it for years and recently given it to you, it could have been triggered by anything really.
You should avoid any nookie whilst you think you have an outbreak or if the blisters/lumps are up and visable.

Yes if the outbreak has not cleared up by time you go into labour you will need a C-section cos it is not good for the baby.
Scary it may sound but obviously you want whats best for bubs.

Hey just think, a c section means extra rest for you afterwards! lol!

Rememeber, although not pleasent cos of the area, its more comman then you think and is the same virus as the coldsore virus, which we know is very comman in people!

Fountain of knowledge me eh!

keep smiling
xxxxxxx

ps- they wont do a blood test cos they can see it with their own eyes, hence no need for blood tests or anything x

Well, perhaps my particular doctor does not do it? He said that they do not do them as lawyers stepped in and blah, blah. Was explaining it to my mother because she said to me, "The good thing is if you have a c-section this time, you can still have one naturally later!" And he stepped in and said no, and was explaining it to her. I was still completely stuck on the "you have herpes" part of the whole appointment honestly ...

I know I am not really nasty .. I just feel like my life has been completely rearranged and I know how people can perceive herpes, but I also know the facts. I just don't want to be looked at that way, you know??

I also understand that a c-section is better if I do have an outbreak, and of course I will have a c-section (obviously, no choice) if it does not clear up in time. But, I am claustorphobic and I just do not like the idea of being help down on a table - asleep or awake, either way - and the whole idea of it just completely makes me nervous and .... ugh. I just completely freak out when I cannot control my own body the way I need to, or be able to move as I please. They will probably have to put me to sleep completely because I most likely will freak out to a point where I cause a frantic mess!!

Sweetie I was in your shoes a couple months ago when my pap came back abnormal... i was diagnosed with HPV which is also an STD.... this is another that you could have for years and never know!!!!! It is very hard to deal with espically because you are pregnant!! ( your hormones are going crazy and your mind is going in 8 different directions I feel your pain and understand where you are coming from! If you need ANYTHING please just send me a message even if you just need to vent or someone to talk to i am here for you!!!

Sorry no advice, but couldn't not give you a you sound so upset.

Sounds horrid. I'm sorry your going through such a rough time. Hope your outbreak subsides.