hi
i seen a dr due to having 5 sores, which hurt so bad when i peed, that i was getting dizzy, so i thought i best just be checked out.

the dr did an examination and prescribed a cream (Aldara) and gave me a pamphlet on hpvs.

upon using the cream, my 5 sores then turned into a full on outbreak, as i've read its called. the pain is incredible, i am nauseated from it, its so severe. i am having hip aching, and flu like symptoms. ALL clothing hurts down there, i am in a long t shirt when home alone, for obvious reasons, and a skirt, when forced to be in public, ex work.

i am VERY confused, i have read thru every posting now,in this topic, and i am trying to learn more about this. by the way, thank you all, for some excellent sharing, it really takes some of the scare out of the unknown.
i am in a monogamus relationship and so was in shock and disbelief when i was told this problem was a sexually related one. then the mind kicks in and begins to make you feel shameful, and dirty, as tho i brought this on myself, somehow. the dr explained that ANY of our previous partners could have transmitted this condition, and it may have laid dormant till now. i still have a hard time to get my mind around that, but it sure beats the ugly alternative (worrying if i have been cheated on). as you can see, i am suffering with feelings of unworthiness now, and my self esteem has been damaged, since this whole ordeal started. (about 6 months ago, were my first indications of a problem altho the sores only surfaced 2 wks ago.)

my next concern is: are there any safe suggestions to ease the discomforts down there? i read salt/water can soothe it, but it sure does sound like it would hurt, such a red, swollen, blistery looking mess.

are there any way to prevent further breakouts? am i contagious to people, if i am not sexual with anyone, other than hubby? i read that towels, and handshakes can transmit the infection????

i thank you all for your candor in this forum. for some people, there is absolutely no where else, we feel we can turn for help.

hope someone will reply, as i am very interested in any help.