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A related discussion, vulvodynia? was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Both herpes and vulvodynia have variable symptoms over time, and the apparent response to the antifungal cream might be coincidental. Or you might have a yeast infection, either as the sole problem or in addition to vulvodynia. Or the cream might have just been soothing. In any case, this doesn't help differentiate vulvodynia from herpes. Recurrent herpes generally is painful for 2-7 days and then heals over the next few days. But as I said above, you can be certain herpes isn't your problem.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
Dr. HHH, thanks for your response. One more for you........and I think I know your answer, but didn't want to assume. I had been having incredible burning vulvar pain from Sunday - Monday.........On Monday night I just couldn't stand it anymore (and couldn't get in touch with my doctor) so I finally used gyne-lotrimin in hopes maybe it would give me relief. Well, about 36 hours later and the pain is not as intense - - not completely gone, but much better (I don't want to cry from the pain now).
So, my question, can I conclude that if it were Herpes, I would still be in pain? I know with repeat Herpes "outbreaks", the duration is shorter. I just was curious how long a "typical" herpes sufferer is in pain during recurrent episodes? Could it be possible to have incredible pain from Herpes for two days and then start to get relief because it's starting to heal?
My assumption is that you will tell me if it were Herpes it would not have responded to the gyne-lotrimin or that a typical recurrent Herpes outbreak would last longer than 2 days........
Thanks for your help!
So, my question, can I conclude that if it were Herpes, I would still be in pain? I know with repeat Herpes "outbreaks", the duration is shorter. I just was curious how long a "typical" herpes sufferer is in pain during recurrent episodes? Could it be possible to have incredible pain from Herpes for two days and then start to get relief because it's starting to heal?
My assumption is that you will tell me if it were Herpes it would not have responded to the gyne-lotrimin or that a typical recurrent Herpes outbreak would last longer than 2 days........
Thanks for your help!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1) Yes, if you had herpes almost certainly you would have seroconverted. I have never seen a case of vulvodynia due to herpes. In other words, a persons who has pain due to herpes always has visible herpes lesions, in my experience and it is easy to confirm the diagnosis by viral culture. If you add up the odds based on both the clinical syndrome you describe and the risk of a false negative blood test, the likelihood that herpes explains your symptom is virtually zero. (Your GP may be right that seroconversion is related to viral load and therefore to symptoms; it makes sense. But to my knowledge no research has shown that to be the case.)
2) You correctly state the normal use of Western blot. You could still do it, however; the anticipated negative result might help convince you about the non-diagnosis. The other thing you could do is ask your provider to presecribe a 10 day course of antiherpetic therapy, e.g. valacyclovir. If you have herpes, your symptoms should markedly improve within a few days; if no improvement, it will be further evidence against herpes.
Bottom line (no pun intended): It is very unlikely herpes explains your symptoms. But knowing how distressing vulvodynia can be, I understand your desire to be even more certain than normal. I suggest starting with the trial of herpes therapy; then consider WB only if it seems to control your symptoms. (I don't mean subtle control, e.g. "I think it's a little better." If you have herpes, your symptoms will be totally gone within a few days.)
If your credit card really was charged more than once, contact the MedHelp administrator; you'll be credited appropriately.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
2) You correctly state the normal use of Western blot. You could still do it, however; the anticipated negative result might help convince you about the non-diagnosis. The other thing you could do is ask your provider to presecribe a 10 day course of antiherpetic therapy, e.g. valacyclovir. If you have herpes, your symptoms should markedly improve within a few days; if no improvement, it will be further evidence against herpes.
Bottom line (no pun intended): It is very unlikely herpes explains your symptoms. But knowing how distressing vulvodynia can be, I understand your desire to be even more certain than normal. I suggest starting with the trial of herpes therapy; then consider WB only if it seems to control your symptoms. (I don't mean subtle control, e.g. "I think it's a little better." If you have herpes, your symptoms will be totally gone within a few days.)
If your credit card really was charged more than once, contact the MedHelp administrator; you'll be credited appropriately.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
