I think I have herpes

Hi Grace,

So, I had unprotected sex in Feb of 2011 (3 exposures over a month/same partner). After that experience, I had lots of itching/burning near the opening of my vagina. I tested negative for all STD's about 3 months after last exposure. I even tested negative for HSV2. (I tested positive for HSV1, which I knew I had orally since 13 yrs of age, I'm 28 now).

Then, in June of 2011 I had unprotected sex again (3 exposures in a month/same partner, but different from Feb. partner). In August I noticed some flesh colored bumps. Was diagnosed from biopsy as Molluscum Contagiosum. Then, in September I decided to test for Chlamydia/Gon. The Chlamydia came back postive. So, this person gave me two STDs. I tested negative for HSV2 and HIV at 3 months after last exposure.

Anyways, my actual question is this:

I get these pinching/pinprick/and sometimes dull, but painful sensations that sometimes linger for a few seconds at a time in my pubic region. They seem to occur at sporadic times, but I think that they occur in the same spots. Every month the opening of my vagina hurts, itches, and burns. When I touch it, it is very irritated and hurts worse afterwards. I don't see any open or obvious blisters, but the area is very red and tender and seems inflamed. There are bumps, but I can't tell if those are normal or not. I feel like it occurs monthly, but haven't exactly paid attention to how many days it lasts. I'd say like a week?? Anyways, I guess I just want to know if this sounds like it could be herpes. My doctor said that the odds of me getting HSV1 genitally are slim because I have it orally. And, I tested negative for HSV2, which I will retest for just to make sure I'm in the clear. Either way, do these symptoms that I describe sound suggestive of herpes?

Thank you for your time.

[quemepasa55]

Actually, to add...the pinching, yet dull sensation seems to occur in one particular spot, away from the opening of the vagina, but in the pubic hair region. It comes and goes throughout the day. Just thought I'd add that info....

Thank you.

[petal130]

Are you being tested for bacterial / fungal infections when you've been seen?

[quemepasa55]

Yeah, I have been tested for bacterial vaginosis, yeast, etc..on more than one occasion...nothing :/

[gracefromHHP]

many things this can be and if your regular gyn is stumped, see if you have a vulvodynia specialist near you for further evaluation. No real reason to think this is herpes going on.  

grace

[quemepasa55]

Thank you Grace.

Well the last time I went to my Gyn, he did some kind of touch test and said that I didn't have a classic reaction that a vulvodynia case would have. I do however think that I will try and get in touch with a specialist. There is one here in Michigan.
I've read in the STD expert forum that Herpes symptoms such as itching/burning/etc. do not occur unless an obvious sore is present. However, with my experience with oral herpes, there are occasions where I know that I am having an outbreak, but no obvious blister is present. I can feel tightness and tingling and I can see just a slight variation in skin consistency/texture where I normally get my cold sores. So, I guess I was just wondering if it's at all possible that the inflammation that I see and redness in the vulvar region could be herpetic changes in the skin without a full blown blister forming....what are your thoughts on that?

Thank you again..

[gracefromHHP]

you've consistently tested negative for hsv2. No reason at all to think this is herpes presenting without obvious blisters.

[quemepasa55]

Ok, thank you. Yeah, that's what I'm going to go with. I am going to re-test for HSV-2 (blood) just because the last time I tested was RIGHT at 3 months..so another test would put my mind at ease.

Aside from your advice on whether or not what I have is herpes...just out of curiostiy...Can herpes present itself in that way (the situation I described in last recent post) for someone who does actually have genital herpes?

Thanks again.