UTI & Herpes

[cappuccino1221]

I have genital herpes and although I've only had a few, very spread out outbreaks, I feel like I know how my body reacts to the virus pretty well. I currently have a red spot that doesn't present any of my usual herpes symptoms, which is why I would like to ask you about it.

Two days ago I had a lot of pain with urination. The pain was both in my urethra and what seemed like around it. After noticing a few other symptoms, I went to the doctor to get tested for a UTI. I tested positive and got antibiotics. The pain inside my urethra stopped, but I still felt some pain around it. I inspected the area and found a small red spot near the opening that you urinate from - inside my inner labia. I touched it and identified that that was indeed what was causing me pain. Usually, with my herpes outbreaks, it hurts to press the red area. With this, it doesn't hurt to press it, but it hurts to rub it, and it definitely hurts to urinate or put water on it.

The spot just looks irritated; it's not inflamed, doesn't itch, and is definitely not an open herpes sore. (It could maybe be the stage where it's just a blister, but I didn't think that stage hurt during urination, since there is no opening in the skin.) I had something similar near the opening of the behind, which went away without turning into anything that would resemble herpes. The difference is that every time I use the bathroom, this stings, so it's a much more irritating.

I would prefer not to spend another couple hours at the doctor's office again this week, but I'll go if I don't figure out what this could be. Is there any advice you could give me? Are there other causes for a genital sore like the one I described other than herpes? Thanks!

[cappuccino1221]

Yes it does, thank you!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Herpes recurrences tend to occur in about the same locations time and time again.  If that is your pattern and this lesion is a different location, it is unlikely to be a herpes recurrence.  When people get UTIs, they can cause considerable inflammation and irritation which may take several days to improve, even after the correct antibiotics have been started.  In addition other dermatological processes might cause similar problem.  My guess is, judging b the "company" your sore area is keeping, is that it is related to your UTI. I would suggest you call your doctor, describe the problem and ask if you could have a prescription for pyridium for a few days.  Pyridium is a urinary tract anesthetic which will give you more comfort while your UTI resolves.  If this does not work or if the lesion evolves (enlarges, etc), I would return to your doctor, even if it takes a couple of hours.  Hope this helps.  EWH