Vaginal Tear - Herpes or Yeast Infection?

[md1733]

I have been dealing with vaginal burning and redness for 2-3 months now. The only time I find minor relief is during the week of my period and about a week thereafter. Otherwise, the levels of discomfort vary but I never feel as though the pain is ever truly gone. I'm sure my stress doesn't make it any easier...

But on to my question - Last night, a tear opened in my vaginal area. It is located under my pubic hair at the top of my outer vaginal lips. The tear bled a small amount but I saw no other fluid. I have no other tears in or outside of my vagina. I'm wondering if this tear closely resembles a herpes lesion or if it sounds more like something that would be caused by a severe yeast infection? I would get the tear swabbed and cultured, but it tends to start healing fairly quickly...

Any info is greatly appreciated!

[monkeyflower]

No, I actually don't think herpes gets blown off too often. It's not a big deal. So you have herpes, so what. I do too. Of course you tell your partners and you take reasonable precautions, but honestly, has anything actually changed since you were diagnosed? I mean, aside from the emotional effects... because feelings aren't facts.

[monkeyflower]

Estrella: Just because you have herpes, doesn't mean that everything that happens to your genitals is due to herpes. You could have herpes AND a yeast infection. You could have herpes AND BV. You could have herpes AND a skin condition. I could go on, but hopefully you get the idea.  Go to www.westoverheights.com and look for the herpes handbook. Read the whole thing. Great info. Among other things, I think it will help you understand why you could have herpes and your husband doesn't.

md1733: I can't remember if you've had a herpes bloodtest, but it's probably more likely yeast, BV, hormonal, or a skin issue. I think you said before that you were on the pill--when I was on the pill years ago, I had almost constant yeast infections. And there is a drug-resistant strain of yeast, candida glabrata, so you might ask your doctor to check for that. Also, I don't remember if BV was in the picture, but if so it can be really, really tough to get rid of. It often takes repeated visits and repeated treatments :-)

Do consider seeing a dermatologist, too.

[estrellab]

yes and no. Herpes gets blown off all too often, you do know that don't you?

[OKnow]

If you posted this in the dr's forum he would probably tell you that it does not sound like typical herpes. I do not think bleeding is a normal condition of a HSV lesion. Also, if the pain just kind of hangs around that is not typical, they (sores) normally come for a week or so and then go away. they do not persist non-stop for months. you can always get tested with a swab of the sore or a blood test. Or post in the dr's forum to get professional advice. good luck.

[estrellab]

I worried and wondered about my tears too for yrs only to be told they are nothing, just dry skin. Finally, after so many irritations and being tired of it, I had and herpes select test done and it did come back pos for type 2 just like I thought. I had several neg cultures in the past. Trust your gut. Get a culture when it is bothering you or go get a western blot blood test or herpes select type specific. You can get herpes select at planned parenthood. I did a second select cuz I still can't figure out why if I have it my husband does not after 14 plus yrs of being together monogomously. Anyway, hope this helps.