Worried about herpes vs irritation from a great deal of sex

Hi,

Over this entire past weekend, my boyfriend and I had a marathon of sexual intercourse (unprotected). I was on my period and I do use tampons. Also, I shave all around my vagina area evey other day. Needless to say, by this past sunday/monday the sides of where the opening of my vagina is red, raised and sore. I am not experiencing any of the following discharge, itching, fevers or anything like that. I'm thinking that this whole raised irriatation experience may just be a product of a combination of lots of sex, being on my period & tampon usage, and maybe shaving the area too hard. Do I have anything to worry about and what can I use to get rid of the swelling and soreness? Should I hold off on sex for a few days?

Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you're quite right to assume that friction from sex, tampons, and shaving can produce soreness, especially in a sensitive area like the genitals.  The treatment is the same as what you'd do for any other irritation (like dishpan hands)--treat the area gently, and take a break from whatever caused the irritation.  Bland ointments like vaseline or any other unmedicated moisturizer are best.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff