possible genital herpes -A few Qs

[so_scared]

Hello Doctor,

Thank you so much for your time. I have a few questions to ask. First of all, I'm uncertain, I do not know if I have hsv2 or not. I havent had a blister or lesion on my vagina. Ive had redness, irritation, itching and inflammation, which my doctor has diagnosed as a Yeast Infection.

The Yeast Infection went away. However, I have noticed lacerations on my vagina. They seem to be chapped and abrazed. They do not cause me any pain/itching except AFTER SEX. These 'abrasions' get red, perhaps irritated and they burn. Im confused if this is a herpes outbreak. The symptoms get better the next day -and because of this, I assumed abrasions from sex.

I feel like they are just abrasions, perhaps from friction. I didn't think much of it since it feels better the next day. Although it feels better, the abrasions are still there - they are not painful to touch except after sex.

I engaged in sex today. (5-10 minutes) after sex, I got a mirror and looked at my vagina - i could see a small, pin head size... bump? blister? (i cant really tell) whatever it is... there is only one of it and like i said it is small. im fairly certain that it appeared after sex since I did not see it there last night.

My question is...
A)does this sound like herpes to you? (im referring to the whole scenario in general and the small pin head size blister/bump)

I would really like to hear your input. Ive scheduled an appointment for tomorrow - however, I thought id ask.

Im really confused with the symptoms especially the abrasion-looking ones. I find it confusing how it doesnt bother me at all...then after sex not only does it hurt but it looks bad (red,chapped,abrazed)! Then the whole thing feels better yet (maybe its just me) but although it feels better...I feel like it DOES NOT LOOK any better.

One more thing doctor, if i have genital herpes - I think i've been carrying the virus for the past month. If Im having subtle outbreaks at the moment - will the blood test turn positive at this stage? Can I take a blood test now?

thank you,
anxiousandparanoid

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

If you really have a vesiclar (blister-like) herpes lesion, it doesn't matter how large it is; it can be accurately tested for HSV.  But be aware that any vesicle due to herpes will change over 2-3 days into a pustule (pus-filled blister), then to an open sore, then will heal; so if the lesion you refer to has been more or less unchanged for more than 2 days, you can be pretty confident it isn't herpes.  But as to what else it might be, I can't even speculate; that's an issue for your own provider.

HHH, MD

[HHH,MD]

"diagnosis is concern" is supposed to be "diagnosis is confirmed."  Sorry for any confusion.

HHH, MD

[HHH,MD]

"diagnosis is concern" is supposed to be "diagnosis is confirmed."  Sorry for any confusion.

HHH, MD

[so_scared]

Thank you for your answer Doctor,

One more thing I would like to ask - what does this pin head size bump/blister sound like?

If its a pin head blister - is it possible to get is cultured despite its small size?

Thank you again
anxious

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your symptoms sound more like yeast than herpes.  If you doctor was confident about the yeast diagnosis, your can rely on it.  For example, if yeast organisms were actually seen by microscopic exam of your vaginal secretions, the diagnosis is concern.  Having had recent yeast infection could have left your labia and vaginal tissues fragile and susceptible to abrasion, especially if you resumed sex very soon after (or during) treatment for the yeast; or if the yeast infection wasn't entirely cured.  Herpes lesions don't get triggered by sex; that is, people with latent herpes don't develop overt herpes lesions due to abrasion or rubbing.

If you acquired herpes a month ago, the blood test may not be positive yet.  But I suggest you ask your provider to do a blood test for HSV-2; and if s/he sees open lesions, to culture them for the virus.  (See numerous other threads about herpes diagnosis, to make sure your provider does the right kind of blood test.)  If the culture and blood test are negative, and if your provider thinks herpes still is a possibility, you'll need another blood test about 2 months later.

Good luck--  HHH, MD