Possible Asymptomatic Herpes?

[Nakdan]

I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible:

September 15-18

[Blessed518]

A related discussion, Herpes exposure was started.

[apollo13]

Doc,  Are you saying that prodrome symptoms only appear in conjunction with a symptomatic outbreak?  Another STD specialist has stated that prodrome symptoms (burning, tingling, stinging, etc.) may be a herpes outbreak that does not break the skin surface because of a healthy immune system.  Thoughts?

[Sha Dallas]

It is so amazing because I am having the same exact problem but I was too afraid to go to my doctor again, fearing that it could be herpes. I too, took some exams and they came back negative. I was recently on birth control to try something new and I experiened a white non-smelly discharge. I immediately felt like it was because of the pills, but I could not go to my doctor because I changed locations. So I will keep this in mind when I talk to my physician.

Sha Dallas

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Glad to have helped.  Yeast infection probably is the single most common syndrome that is confused with herpes--so yes, that sounds like a possible explanation.  But I can only speculate; it's not the only possibility.  Discuss it with your provider.

HHH, MD

[Nakdan]

Thanks so much for the quick response!  Another quick question, could my symptoms be related to yeast or vaginitis?  I've experienced that in the past.

Thanks again!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Herpes does not cause the symtoms you describe, regardless of what you might have read.  Lots of online sites describe tingling and burning pain as symptoms of herpes, but that is true only in conjunction with typical herpetic blisters and ulcers.  Had you come to me with those symptoms, even testing you for herpes would not have entered my mind.  And since you have been tested and negative, you can be even more certain your symptoms have nothing to do with herpes.

1, 2) No; see above.  3) Unlikely.  To be 100% certain, you could have another test 3 months after exposure.  It also will be negative.  4) No.  5) Almost certainly you don't have herpes, so it isn't an issue.  6) You symptoms are not those of any STD.  However, they are classical for genitally-centered anxiety.  You might discusss that possibility with your personal health care provider.  But in the meantime, relax about herpes. That's not the explanation.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD