Could this be herpes?

I am a 21 year old female, I have never had sex but have had brief (less than 1 minute) skin-to-skin contact with 3 males, and had unprotected oral sex with 1 (none of them had any visible herepes outbreaks).  Every few weeks I notice an itcching feeling near my vaginal opening.  It usually last no more than a few hours, and never more than a day.  Sometimes, they area is a little tender, but not painful.  I have never noticed a rash or blisters, but am a little concerend...could this be herpes?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

In theory, genital herpes can be transmitted by genital apposition without penetration ('outercourse'), but it's very rare if it occurs at all.  I have never seen a case in my 35 years in the STD business.  And many things other than herpes can cause the sort of genital itching you describe; a yeast infection probably is the best bet and much more likely than herpes.  But see a health care provider if the symptom continues or you otherwise remain concerned.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I meant to add that although herpes can recur with the sort of frequency you describe, the symptoms cannot last only a few hours.  The same is true of yeast infections.  Either one generally lasts at least several days once symptoms start.

Just about everybody has occasional genital area itching, usually without explanation.  But I repeat that to know for sure, you should visit your health care provider, preferably when you are having the symptom.  But until then, you can safely disregard herpes as a possibility.

[bznla]

hate to be a worry wart...but the itching is always worse on the left side...is that a problem???

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No.  See my reply above. I have no further advice for you.