Swollen left labia, burning, tingling. Please help

[someoneinwa]

I have a swollen left labia majora that started 3 days ago (on saturday night). I noticed an itchy weird feeling in my left labia, so after itching just a bit (sorry) I looked down there and the left labia majora was very swollen! But only the one side. I looked closer, and it seemed to have a small lump or two on it. I had sex on friday, one day before this happened. After trying to research online, I applied a warm compress (thinking it may be a cyst), and it made the bump turn a darker purple color, but the labia reamained very swolen. I have done this for 2 days. I also started taking doxycycline antibiotics that I had leftover for unrelated issue (acne on my face.) This is day 3 and my labia seems less red, however is still swollen, itchy, with a burning/tingling feeling. The weird thing is it is only the left labia. Any idea what this could be? I do plan a dr visit but not for a few days, and I'd like input in the meantime. Thanks

[someoneinwa]

Hi, no I haven't been able to go yet..

[gracefromHHP]

if you are going to see signs of a newly acquired infection, it will be during that time.

were you able to be seen?

[someoneinwa]

I thought it shows up as an outbreak between 2 and 20 days of contracting it. Am i wrong?

[kjean4]

Hi!  I'm having the exact problem.  I was diagnosed with genital herpes 8 yrs ago (courtesy of my now EX husband). I was on Valtrex for many years and havne't had any issues int he past two, but now have the same problem you've described.  I'm not sure if it's a herpes break out or something else...but you should definitely get tested.  I had it for months before I knew.  It can lay dormant for up to a year, I was told.  Good luck to you!!  

[someoneinwa]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes it was a regular partner and was protected. Also, the antibiotics have been part of my acne treatment for over a year. I shouldve clarified better. I was wondering if my symptoms sounds like any one thing in particular? I have the swelling and discomfort, and that weird spot that became more pronounced after the hot compress. However no open "lesions". Just a dry looking area. Swelling is one side only, the other side looks and feels completely normal.

[gracefromHHP]

starting antibiotics is never a good idea :(  it interferes with getting accurate answers as to what is going on, increases your risk of contracting an antibiotic resistant bacteria as well as increases your risk for  fungal overgrowth. you should never, ever just start taking leftover pills :(

at this point you need to be seen today. already too much time has passed if this is herpes.  make sure that they test the lesion for herpes as well as a bacterial swab for MRSA.  they also should be testing you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally too.  

was this a regular partner you had sex with? was it protected?

stop back and let us know how your appointment went :)