Very Confused..

[kathy215]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me...

When I was 16 years old I had what I thought was a genital herpes (HSV1) outbreak. I had extremely itchy lesions that looked like lines, bubble like blister in the vagina opening and thick white discharge as well as a tingling sensation. At the time i convinced myself I had managed to transfer the herpes from my mouth to my genitals as I was not sexually active at the time. Since then I have had  couple of reacurrences in the same and different places and a  sore in the pubic hair region.

Since my intial "outbreak'" I have only had one sexual partner. I have had a complete STD screening with all negative results including a negative herpes type specific test. I have also had a recent bout of yeast infections which have now cleared but I am left with  constant itch and irration. I am now left feeling confused at to what could have caused my intial outbreak.

Could Yeast infections produce the sypmtoms I describe during my first episode?

Is it possible to transfer oral herpes from your own mouth to your genitals?

How accurate are herpes type specific blood tests? Even though they were negative, i have in the past and still experience red sore areas in the corners of my mouth which make me think I do get oral clod sores.

What are the apperance of oral cold sores? are they blisters or can they just be red areas with a very very small looking cut?

Since I now have a skin irratition my doctor has recommended that my boyfriend and I stop using condoms to try and allievate the irratation. That makes me extremely worried that I will pass Herpes onto him...

Thanks so much for your help,

[auntiejessi]

Nope - the cold sore cream might have just helped with whatever irritation you had.  Yeast can cause all kinds of irritation, and if its bad enough, can cause a blister.

It is scary when you feel you don't have definite info, but your negative tests mean you can relax, and I hope you start getting some relief from the yeasties.

Aj

[kathy215]

Thanks for your reply, does make me feel a lot better. Posted to DR Hook and he thinks its definatley not herpes and I shouldnt worry about infecting my boyfriend. Its just so scary when its someone you love!

I think my intial outbreak  probably was a yeast infection but can yeast really create those whitish bubble blister right on in the inside of the vagina opening?
Also when I believed it to be herpes i did but some oral cold sore cream down there as the itching was unbearable..this did help with the itching and It took about two weeks to heal up. Does the fact that the cold sore cream help alleiavte itching mean it could be herpes?

Thanks again for all your advice. Will def try the suggestions you made

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

Its quite possible that you had yeast and not ghsv1.  Its almost impossible to transfer hsv1 from your own mouth to your genital area.  Think of babies and kids who get hsv1 - they touch everything, everywhere.  They touch their mouths, then their siblings' mouths,  then their genitals, etc.  They don't transfer it to their genitals at all.

Once you develop antibodies, usually within a few months of infection, that will protect you from spreading it to any other spot on your body.

The blood tests are very accurate, but I wonder if you've ever had a cold sore, or were you assuming you had oral hsv1?

You might talk to your doctor about doing a culture, or even better, a PCR swab, the next time you get symptoms.  That will let you know if you have herpes genitally.  

I'd also suggest looking at what might be causing your symptoms - it could be condoms, and if you aren't comfortable going without one, then try a polyurethane condom with a non-glycerin lube.  You should also use non-scented, non-printed toilet paper, no baby or feminine wipes, 100% cotton undies (and you might try going with all white undies for awhile, and yes, they make cute all white thongs, bikinis, etc - no need for granny panties lol).  Use a gentle soap like Dove for sensitive skin, and let things air dry.

You might just need some time to let things correct themselves.  You can also try a probiotic, which will help restore all the good stuff to the correct levels.  Try Femdophilous.  Its the only probiotic that has been proven to reach the urogenital tract.  Your local health food store might carry it, or you can get it at www.jarrow.com.

Sometimes its just not any fun being a woman.  :(

Aj