What do vaginal cuts/tears look and feel like?

For those who have vaginal cuts/tears associated with HSV, what do they look like and how do they feel? I don't know if I have them because although the skin looks uneven, it feels smooth and doesn't bleed.  Also, how long do they last? :(

Terrified.

[gracefromHHP]

I've read your discussion with Dr Hook on the experts forum.

your symptoms do not sound much like genital herpes. did you ever get any of your test results back yet?

odds are you neither you nor your partner have ever been tested for herpes before. while it's on your mind, why don't you both seek out type specific herpes igg blood testing to see who has what so you can know if you have to be concerned about it or not.

when you were seen, did they test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally too?

grace

[scared311]

Unfortunately I am still waiting on my results. But I agree with you, I am definitely going to go back in for an igg and will be taking new precautions from now on.

The problem with my right labia was dismissed as "irritation," so I wasn't tested for yeast/bacterial infections.  It's just frightening because neither the labia itching/swelling nor folliculitis attack has ever happened to me before, and all of a sudden they were happening concurrently.  The labia irritation seemed to have been localized to one spot on the inner right majora no bigger than an inch, and at one point I thought it looked like small shiny red patches.. Felt smooth, itched, but never bled.  It has cleared up by now, but I definitely know something abnormal occurred down there.  I've completely stopped seeing that guy for these past two weeks because the NP said I should wait for more conclusive results before telling him my concerns... It's been difficult having no one to really talk to.  

I truly do appreciate the help Dr. Hook and you provided though, and am trying my best to fight hysteria with logic.  Thank you Grace.

[gracefromHHP]

I totally disagree with waiting until you have conclusive results to talk to a partner!!!  This is your partner - they are your shoulder to lean on and you should be discussing this with them from the day you are seen!!!  If my partner didn't want to see me for 2 weeks and didn't tell me why, that would be the end of them being my partner!!  You don't need final results to discuss what is going on with your body and affecting you as a couple!!

you also should've been properly tested for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally too when you were seen.

logic and our genitals don't always go hand in hand....he he he

[scared311]

Hi Grace,

Just wanted to let you know that my results came back negative.... =).  The NP said there was no need to continue worrying unless the symptoms show up again.  I'm still debating whether to get an igg in a few months, but otherwise I'm still in disbelief.  I really thought I had acquired HSV.

Also, I have to agree with what you said about communicating with your partner, my partner is quite unhappy with me right now but I'm slowly learning from my mistakes and will not be forgetting what that I've learned during this experience.  

Thank you so much.

[gracefromHHP]

I recommend that you and your partner both seek out type specific herpes igg blood tests and go from there. you don't want this worry lurking in the back of your mind and odds are that neither of you were ever tested for herpes before so it is in the best interest of you both to cover this base since you had suspicious symptoms.

[scared311]

Grace,

How soon do you think I should get tested? I've read that it can take up to 4-6 months after exposure for an accurate test.  Also, I've asked my NP about getting a blood test, but she said that she did not recommend it because it didn't discern between HSV-1 and HSV-2.  This leads me to believe that the clinic that I was seen at doesn't do type specific herpes igg blood testing.  Are you aware of any internet resources that can help me find a center that does?

Thank you.

[bobrope45]

4 months is usually enough. Why don't you ask your partner to get tested as well? This way you can be sure you didn't catch anything from him.

As for the blood test, your NP is outdated - the newer blood test are all type specific. If the clinic performs their exams through Quest or Labcorp, they are using those type specific tests. Still, you can be tested through the closest Planned Parenthood or even using some online services.

[gracefromHHP]

If you are in the US, you can order up your own herpes igg blood testing through various online resources like healthcheckusa or tstd.

encourage your NP to update her herpes testing info by reading the 2010 herpes guidelines from the CDC :)  

As for when to test, I recommend that you both test now ( or soon ) and then depending on the results, you can decide if you need to repeat your testing later on ( or if your partner needs to repeat theirs ).

[scared311]

Can HSV or any STD cause a missed period? I haven't had sex for awhile but just to be sure I took a pregnancy test and it was negative.  My menstrual cycle has been regular for the past 6 years so this is kind of worrisome.

Thank you.

[gracefromHHP]

std's tend not to cause missed periods. stress can though!

[scared311]

For the past month I've been experiencing rectal discharge and itching due to hemorrhoids, and have been taking Proctofoam rectally (anti-steroid medication) for about 10 days. While in the shower today, I felt sudden soreness as I was washing my genitals. When I used a mirror, I noticed a large cut about 1 inch long on the upper right side of my perineum, below my vaginal opening. It's been almost three months since my last sexual encounter.  Can the cut be caused by the hemorrhoid medication? I'm getting a HerpeSelect test on Thursday, but is it worth it to try to get a swab test of the lesion on Monday? Also, if the cut is due to herpes, how long will it typically take to heal? Any treatment tips?

[gracefromHHP]

you'd need to go and be seen monday and get this looked at. if they feel it looks like herpes, they can swab it then.

also make sure they test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally too while you are there.

[scared311]

Thanks Grace, I will try to and get seen tomorrow. If the cut is due to herpes, how long will it typically take to heal? Any treatment tips?

[gracefromHHP]

usually within a week or so.