I think I'm seeing the person you are referring to............thanks! Very bubbly personality and very direct/blunt & upfront.
She's in Philadelphia (which is where I thought you lived ;-)). I don't think I can post her name, but she's the Director of Sexual Medicine/co-founder of the Pelvic Floor Institute at a hospital. Don't know if that was helpful ;-)
Thanks to Ille for that comment. It made me realize that I misinterpreted HRF's question. I was assuming you had been diagnosed with both conditions. In relooking at your question and your one of a few days ago, I can only say Ille is right: You should totally disregard herpes as a potential problem unless and until you have a positive test for it. Based on the exposure you described a few days ago, herpes is very unlikely.
HHH, MD
Thanks for your posts (and thank you Dr. HHH for re-reading my initial post).
Bottom line, because of the conditions I do have (Vulvodynia, Keratosis Pilaris ("chicken skin" - - acne looking lesions)) I will most likely "never" really know if it's just those conditions or potentially Herpes (I have never been diagnosed with HSV....cleared through lots of testing - - matter of fact, over the top testing because of the Vulvodynia).
Was just trying to figure out if there is an "easy" way to discern typical Herpes symptoms from "run of the mill" symptoms.
Obvioulsy, that's not an "easy" question to answer..........so, we'll just leave it at that.
Thanks.
Thanks for getting back to me (next on the list of things to do....it never seems to end - - LOL) .............the person I'm seeing is in Philadelphia (about 1.5 hours from me - - but worth the trip). Where is the provider you're talking about located? It's always good to have a 2nd opinion.
Thanks!
You're lucky to have a very well known vulvodynia specialist in your town, and I'm assuming that's who you're seeing. I replied to your post about finding a sex therapist, but she has connections in that field and would be able to personally refer you to good local sex therapists as well :-)
Dr. H has stated to others in the past that although HSV testing may not be necessary based on risk factors/lack of symptoms, if it will give you piece of mind and allow you to move forward, then get a Herpeselect blood test at 3 months from exposure. If it's positive, then at least you know and can move forward. If it's negative, then you can move past this and not have to worry about every little sensation/bump/pain being due to herpes. Like many have posted in this forum, it's amazing the symptoms that disappear once you hear/see the negative results. And as for piece of mind, it is worth it!
I am not an expert on vulvodynia (whenever we suspect such cases, most STD clinics, including mine, refer them to gynecologists for care). I'm afraid I don't have any insight on distinguishing any of the symptoms you describe as being due to vulvodunia versus from herpes, except to examine the symptomatic area to look for lesions typical of herpes.
I don't know what keratosis pilaris is. I think you're on the right track to get opinions from both dermatologists and gynecologists--but in person, not online.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
HHH, MD