VERY CONCERNED********************************??????

[harley0108]

5 months ago I had lower abdominal pain and  vaginal burning which required 1 course of antibiotics. I tested negative for all STDs and the symptoms cleared. Three weeks later, the symptoms started again (thinking it may be a UTI) so I took cranberry pills and the symptoms went away 2- 3 days later. After almost 4 months with no symptoms, now the vaginal burning has returned.I also have noted a small abrasion similar to a razor nick or something which went away in 2-3 days. Nothing appears to be a lesion. Now I am left with vaginal internal burning and redness with right lower abdominal pain. And I have not seen any bumps or lesions so far. Do I have herpes simplex virus? If not, can you please give me an idea of the things this could be, in order  to ease my fears. Thank you....

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The good news is that you are learning, step-by-step what you do not have.  You may be going towards a diagnosis of what some call vagadynia to describe a syndome of chronic vaginal discomfort.  In most communties there are one or two physicians who are particularly focused on such problems.  

Whatever happens from here, it is something that needs to be addressed through a strong clinician-patiant relationship characterized by good communications and exchange of information.  You should seek such a relationship.  The first step is for you to seek it and be open with your clinician with your concerns and questions.  Sometimes trial and error is needed for uch a relationship to occur.  Good luck.  EWH

[harley0108]

Soooo-I went to my Dr and was examined.  She did a swab for yeast and BV and said both were negative.  She said that she has no explanation for my symptoms based on her exam.  She said that she did not even want to retest my HSV as my previous test 5 months ago was negative for both IGG and IGM.  I am not sure what else to do as I am still having an intermittent burning sensation.  The burning gets sharp at times and at other times I dont even notice it.  I am confused on what to do next.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You did not mention whether or not you have been seen by a health care provider with expertise in women's health or not, nor, if you have, what they said.  After five months of intermittent symptoms, you need to be examined and have some basic diagnostic tests to sort this out.  The tests would be aimed first and foremost at some of the most common cause of vaginal irritation in women--these would include evaluation for yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis, neither of which is an STD and trichomonas which is.  The tests are easily done using a microscope and direct examination and are readily treated although the treatment is different for each of the three problems.  Other less common causes indeed do include a recurrent urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease.  AS I said however the key, first and foremost is to get examined.  

Herpes is an outside possibility but seems rather unlikely.  An examination at the time you have sypmtoms will help to sort th is out as well.

Hope this helps.  Please let us know what happens.  EWH