Red sores on (female) genitals

[CONNEE]

In the past 4 months or so I have been getting red sores in the same area of my genitals.  In this 4 mo span, they started appearing once every 6 weeks & have steadily been appearing more & more frequently.  These sores are typically just one sore on one side of the opening to the vagina, sometimes there will be a similar sore on the opposite side of the opening to the vagina.  The 1st day or 2 they are quite painful if they are rubbed or if I sit just right.  They never form blisters, never ooze, never crust over, & never form scabs.  They usually go away in about a week.  I have tried appplying hydrocortizone the sores but that doesn't seem to make any difference.  

I am worried that this is herpes.  I have recently decided to  get pregnant & am concerned about the welfare of my baby upon delivery.  I have been in a monogomous relationship for 6 years and if this is herpes I have had it for a long time and never knew.  

One reason that I think this might be herpes is that I lead a fairly promiscuous lifestyle from my late teens thru early 20s (I am now 36) .  I have thought that my anxiety over the herpes/pregnancy risk might be leading to these outbreaks but I'm not sure.  What else could be causing these sores?  Can you get pimples on your genitals?

Also, I have been studying everything I can find on the net about herpes & I don't usually get the "prodrome" sysmptoms that can precede an outbreak:  tingling in the area of outbreak, pain in lower back/legs, but I do sometimes get swollen lymph nodes (not very often).

Please help alleviate my fears if possible.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your description does not match herpes very well at all.  Herpes shows itself as clusters of blisters, always in or near the same place.  You may well have pimples, or irritations of one kind or another, perhaps aggravated by rubbing.  In order to get a proper diagnosis, and to allay your anxieties, you should arrange to have a doctor see them when the lesions are fresh.  A high-quality photo may help, if you can't arrange a timely doctor's visit.  One way or another, you will be able to have children.  First, get a precise diagnosis, so you can on with things.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[NLM]

I think you may have herpes. It sounds like a situation that has happened to me. I am not sure if you are having a child at this time are if you are just thinking about having a child. Sometimes in pregnancy your hormones can cause symptoms that have been supressed for a long time to appear. If you are pregnant check with your doctor. If you do have genetail herpes you there are options to protect your child (caesarian).

[Fleabag]

I would be interested in hearing about experiences with confirmed herpes sores that do not ulcerate, blister or in any way act in the classic herpetic diagnosis.

Is this your experience, NLM?

[ashlie19]

The forum was too full for a question, but I, alos, am worried about herpes.  I too, have led a busy sexual life until recently when I got back with my long-time ex-boyfriend.  I had unprotected sex with 4 people after breaking up with him and was wondering if a foul smell for a female could be a sign of herpes.
Once, i had small bumps that were pus-filled all over my stomach but never on my genitals.  Then they went away so i thought i had poison oak/ivy.  I douched and the smell went away, but I am still concerned!
Please help me.  I am young and have a long life ahead(preferably without herpes!).
-------Desperate

[allalone88]

A related discussion, So confused was started.