**BACKSTORY** **Not Necessary** Well, as of about 3-4 months ago I experienced my first outbreak, along with my bf. We both got symptoms at the same time as far as I'm concerned. (Is that strange?) It popped on both of us a few weeks after we both got injured during.. sex. So 3 months go by since the first incident and it managed to creep out again, but not nearly as bad this time. I got 1-2 spots basically together as one. I did a different variety of treatments (lysine, oregano oil) and it lasted about 7-11 days and was almost ignorable after the first few. (I believe the duration was extended due to having sex a few times which would obviously irritate it.) I was under quite alot of stress when it appeared. Sure enough my bf had his second outbreak about a 2-4 weeks after me, also under alot of his own stress. His seems far worse the second time round than even the first time or myself the second time. He hasn't done anything to help it though, not even advil! I feel bad for him but to each their own I suppose. **Questions** Now to get to the question.. after my first outbreak I discovered my mother also has it, she stated that she's probably had it since her early 20s, like myself, so about 25-30 years. I asked her if she has ever gone awhile without having an outbreak and she said with confidence that she has gone years without any signs of it which reassured me quite a bit given they say it has alot to do with immune system and diet, ect. and the fact that I would not consider her a very healthy person for a number of reasons. So I suppose I'm wondering if that has been the case for others. * Whats the longest you've gone without an outbreak? * How long did you have it before you got a hold on it? Such as suspecting it coming, outbreaks being less severe and less common? * What do you find triggers your outbreaks and what helps keep it at bay? * Do you find there is a scent associated with outbreaks? Is that only during outbreaks or is it consistent? * Could the injuries we sustained during sex have triggered it in one.. or both of us? * Is it alright to have sex during an outbreak if we are both up to it and both have it? Would it make a difference or do you think we'd just be helping it thrive? Please feel free to comment any information you feel could help. This is new too me and I'm often saddened and worried by it.
I’m currently trying to get diagnosed but have to wait for an accurate blood test so unfortunately I can’t help. I just wanted to say good damn questions. I’d love to hear some peoples first hand experience in all of this.