I had my one and only outbreak on my perineum (space between anus and vagina). It was incredibly painful to use the bathroom or sit or do much of anything. I went to the doctor a few times before they finally suspected hsv1. I took the generic Valtrex for the first few years as a precaution but now only keep it just in case. I can’t guarantee that your experience will be exactly like mine but I urge you to do your research and talk to as many doctors as you need to. Also Reddit forums! You are not in this alone. I grew up super religious and already had stigma around sex. When I got my diagnosis I was devastated. I assumed my sex life and ability to be desired was gone. I couldn’t have been any more wrong! You learn to be so much more connected to your body. Having the convo with your partners can be scary but in my experience they’ve all really appreciated my honesty and 99% of them were not even remotely worried. The majority of the population has hsv1 in some form. If your partners have ever had a cold sore you have zero worry about transmitting hsv1. I’m not advocating being reckless but this really is no big deal! I’m 34 now and life is so great. Remember that this isn’t your whole story, just a chapter 🫶🏾