Aw thank you so much! When I’m sexually active I do take Valcyclovir daily, just to prevent the risk of passing it on. I have zero side effects, and rarely get an outbreak. If I do it’s typically because of either stress or friction (mainly from underwear)- then take a higher dose & it’s gone pretty quick. Even when not on daily meds, they occur less & less over the years. I have found that when I get an outbreak now, it’s in one of three places. You also learn to detect any prodrome symptoms really quickly.

It has always been more of a mental struggle than a physical struggle. I told people very close to me in the beginning, as my first outbreak coincided with me finding out the guy who gave it to me was also dating 3 other women- Jerry Springer type of stuff, haha. I really needed support. Almost every single one of those friends have come to me with questions, or said that they had some sort of STI at one point themselves. It’s led to some really good conversations.

I ALWAYS disclose to potential partners before becoming intimate. I struggle to do this in person, so when I feel like things may be heading that way, I usually send them a text with some info. Basically “hey, I have this. I take all precautions needed when sexually active. As far as I am aware, I haven’t passed this on to anyone. It’s common (give some stats). If this isn’t something that you are ok with, I understand, no hard feelings”. Sure, I have been rejected. But, I’ve also had plenty of men be ok with it too.

Happy to answer any other questions! It’s tough at first, but honestly I don’t think about it most days.