Confused-Outbreak/Yeast/BV?

[flowerstarr]

So I got genital HSV-1 about 4 years ago from my partner. The first outbreak I had was horrible... worst thing I have ever had to deal with. Then I remember getting another one a couple months after and was quite upset. Then for 2-3 years I seemed to be fine. Never had a noticeable outbreak, or I just can't remember. I have had a few outbreaks in the anal area that were definitely somewhat painful. I knew for sure that they were outbreaks and I got swabbed and tested once to make sure.
In the past 6-10 months I have been experiencing some really strange "symptoms".

Basically... I have had two outbreaks in the anal area, I know for sure they were outbreaks. Then I have been experiencing other symptoms on and off. Sometimes I will be a little bit red, itchy swollen in the vaginal area for maybe 1-3 days. Thought this could be a yeast infection since I would have a bit of whitish discharge too. I have taken medication for yeast infections twice... it seemed to work both times for the most part. The other thing that keeps happening that is driving me insane... I will get maybe 1-3 spots on my clitoris (at separate times usually) that are tiny little white-ish looking spots. They don't feel raised at all really. Whenever I notice them I can rub my finger over it and the white part will "peel away" or disappear that day and I am left with a flat red spot. You can sometimes see a ring of white skin from where the top layer must have peeled away? These are NEVER painful, itchy, or anything. They don't bother me at all. When I try and show my partner, he can barely even see them.

So during this time I have tried taking Valtrex as suppressive therapy - does nothing. Only seems to work if I am having one of my anal outbreaks. The other day I was experiencing some redness and itchiness and had thicker, somewhat "chunky" white discharge. Took yeast infection medication. Itchiness, redness and discharge is gone. But no matter what... these damn clitoris things stay!! I have seen a doctor multiple times... last time he basically said, if its not painful or itchy or discomforting you are fine. If you think you are having an outbreak, take the Valtrex. If you think its a yeast infection, take medication for it. I told him about the spots on my clitoris and he said that they are most likely due to irritation (I get folliculitis from shaving down there) from rubbing, tight clothes, etc. Sorry if this is too much info but whenever we engage in sexual play there is a lot of rubbing in that area too, may have something to do with it? He also had a good point... since I have HSV1 I am noticing everything going on. Every tingle, itch, spot, bump, anything. Where as when I am fine... I don't notice. I don't even know whats normal anymore. Today I went in again since I have a spot and got the area swabbed. Now Im just waiting. I just dont understand why they keep happening. Its like I get one once a week.

[gracefromHHP]

do you self treat for yeast or do you go and be seen and they properly test you for vaginal infections?   bv especially is known to make herpes more active so it's preferred to get a proper test instead of self treating even though it's a pain to do so.

the spots you describe on your clitoris don't sound herpes related at all.

if you are prone to irritation and folliculitis from shaving your pubic hair, not worth doing so.  perhaps look into just trimming the hair close instead of taking it all off so you are irritating the whole area less and are at less risk of other infections.

grace

[castello80]

It would be very atypical for you to be experiencing outbreaks on a weekly basis with HSV-1 since people get few or any future outbreaks after the first one. It sounds like it could be caused from irritation from the intense rubbing prior to sex or from shaving or it could be a type of allergy to a certain soap or shaving cream you're using. Your mention of folliculitus helps solidify that it's most likely irritation, but your swab will be able to tell you for sure.