Labia Minora Sore

This is very embarassing to me, but I have to ask. Lately I have had swelling and redness in the labia majora and just this morning noticed a small red sore or little lump on the minora. It was not painful but did have some clear fluid with some blood. I have been sexually active in the last month with someone I know pretty well. I am hoping this is not herpes. I have no other lesions, nothing near the vagina or any other sores or lesions like people describe, no pain or any other symptoms. Could this just be a random sore that people get periodically? I also should mention I use panty liners on a regular basis and someone told me that could be causing the problem like rubbing or friction causing the sweling and lump. I am a little scared, does anyone have any help?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

HI!
Panty liners certainly can cause vulvar irritation and itching.  Did you change brands recently?  Herpes can start out as itchy blisters and usually turns into extremely painful ulcers when the blisters rupture.  There is a blood test for herpes 1 and 2--both can cause problems "down there".  It would not be a bad idea to be tested if the symptoms don't go away fairly soon.  You could ask your new beau about cold sores--my daughter gets those, so no biggy!

Good luck!
Dr B