Herpes, Yeast, or Other Infection??

[md1733]

At the end of March, I had protected vaginal sex but did have unprotected oral sex. About two days later, I began experiencing what I thought were the symptoms of a yeast infection - redness, burning, and a slight increase is vaginal discharge. I used a 3-day vaginal treatment but my symptoms continued. My doctor tested for STDs (including HSV 1 and 2), all of which came back negative. A wet mount for bacteria also came back negative. My doctor did a vaginal exam and could see nothing irregular and nothing that looked like a sore or lesion.

My symptoms continue to reoccur every month. The only time I feel relief is for a couple of days during my period.

Will a herpes blood test at 14 weeks give me an accurate result or do I have to wait 16 weeks or longer?

Other important information?

1. I was put on two antibiotics, amoxicillin and clindamycin, in prior months and I take birth control pills.
3. I have had flaky, peeling skin on my outer labia and a fissure at the top of my vagina where my outer labia meet. The tear is under my pubic hair and a centimeter long. It bleeds a little bit and is slightly painful, but no other fluid is present. It begins healing the next day, so I have been unable to have it swabbed. I have not experienced any other tears.


Any information or help you can provide is greatly appreciated doc!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'll try to help, but it cannot be very much.  You have been examined and tested for common STDs--that is all I would have recommended, and an online advisor rare can tell what's going on if direct examination doesn't come up with an answer.  Your symptoms really don't sound much like herpes.  I suppose it is possible, but I expect your HSV test in a few weeks to be negative; or if positive, I would tend to believe you had it all along didn't acquire it during your exposure at the end of March.

That said, all in all this sounds more like yeast than anything else, perhaps a yeast strain resistant to the usual drugs.  Amoxicillin and clindamycin might have contributed to increased risk of yeast infection.  The flaky, peeling skin doesn't sound like herpes--but you should rely on your own provider's judgment about that, not the opinion of someone who cannot examine you.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[md1733]

I didn't see an answer for my question regarding testing. Will a herpes blood test at 14 weeks give me an accurate result or do I have to wait 16 weeks or longer?

Thanks for your help doc!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The data aren't all that precise.  If you're concerned, the longer the better.  But since I doubt you have herpes, I really don't think it will make any difference in the long run.  You really don't describe any symtoms that tmake me worried about herpes.