Possible Herpes Infection

[MA420]

This Saturday (7/14) I returned from the pool with some itching.  I checked my vaginal area out and noticed three bumps (about the size of the point of a pen) near the right side of my labia minora. Now, I had a previous boyfriend back in December of 2006 that I had been with un protected once.  I realized that I needed STD testing later that month in January.  So around the 21st I got tested, including a blood test for Herpes.  It was found that I had a yeast infection, but the test was negative.  Currently I have been with my boyfriend for about six months.  We have had unprotected sex for 5 months and he has had no signs or symptoms of herpes.  I went to urgent care where the doctor said I could possibly have herpes.  He took some cultures and said we will not know for sure until the test results come back.  I have had no symptoms until now.  I did have a yeast infection back in April, confirmed by my gyno.  I have never had any of the flu-like symptoms I read about.  Although for the past couple days I have brown discharge, possibly spotting.  The bumps itch, and are flesh colored.  Is it possible that I had been infected by the previous boyfriend, and even with the testing, I came up negative?  I have not been able to contact him regarding the situation.  My current boyfriend has not cheated on me (I am sure of this) and has never had any symptoms.  I would assume I would have seen symptoms earlier.  What are the chances of my current bf having it?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your description of the genital bumps seems consistent with genital herpes, but not typical by any means.  I doubt herpes is the explanation.  Itching is not the primary symptom of herpes lesions--itching can happen, but usually in conjunction with typical burning pain.  Also, if you had herpes, you would expect the lesions to start with bumps that turn to blisters and then open sores, all over 2-3 days; then followed by healing over the next 7-10 days.  In other words, itchy bumps alone conceivably could be herpes but probably not.  And 'flesh colored bumps' doesn't sound at all like herpes.

The way to find out is to have a blood test for HSV-2.  A negative result will reliably indicate you don't have it--and that is what I predict the test will find.  The other option is to wait until the next time such lesions occur, and arrange ahead of time to see your gynecologist immediately (within 1-2 days).  Both his or her visual diagnosis and lab testing for the virus could easily sort it out.  Your gynecologist also should examine the 'flesh colored bumps' to see if you have warts or some other infection.

I suggest putting of the other questions--about when and by whom you were infected, whether your boyfriend has it, etc--if and when the diagnosis of herpes is confirmed.  Or, if you like, your boyfriend could be tested for HSV-2 antibody the same time you are tested.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[MA420]

Thank you for your help.

The bumps are red in color, but the inside area of my vagina is red anyway.  

They seem like they look like blisters, but they have not turn into open sores.  

Should I expect tomorrow that if I am infected, they will burst open?  Can you tell me exactly what they will look like when they turn into open sores?

I thank you for your time, I have been obsessing over this all day and night and was in desperate need of some kind of answer.

[MA420]

Sorry for the additional questions this is the last one.

Should the burning sensation be unmistakable and strong?  I feel like I have a slight kind of burning sensation, but it could be all in my head.

Thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

If the bumps were due to herpes, within 1-2 days of onset they would have opened up and turned into open sores.  Within 10 days they would have healed and be totally gone.  If those things are not happening, then all your other questions about the minor symptoms--burning, color, etc--are irrelevant.  It isn't herpes.

[MA420]

Could it be a form of HPV, since the bumps only itch?  I was told by a friend who was also suspicious of contracting HPV that equal parts of vingear and water on the bumps could indicated HPV if they turn white.  How accurate (if at all) is this test?

Thank you sir, and I am very greatful for your help.  You have been helpful.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

See my original reply: "Your gynecologist also should examine the 'flesh colored bumps' to see if you have warts..."  But the acetic acid test is horrible; we never use it in my clinic because it works so poorly, even in professional hands.  Self testing is notoriously unreliable.

It is time to stop trying to figure it out by verbal description, self testing, or searching the web.  See your provider.  I won't have any further comments.

[manda24]

A related discussion, I'm freaking out. Do I have herpes? was started.