scared

I'm scared I have herpes.  a month ago i had a sexual experience that included back-and-forth touching and about 15 seconds of skin-to-skin genital contact (i have never had sex or oral sex).  since around then, i have experienced frequent, continual vaginal itching and irritation.  i have never seen any blisters or sores, and the skin irritation has mostly been along the lines of my underwear and outer vaginal lips--almost like a chafing/burning feeling (which was most intense for the first few days).  the itching feels like it is both inside and outside.  it is not painful to touch or press on my skin, but it still feels irritated.  there has been no abnormal discharge.  i'm scared it's herpes bc i've heard it can be transmitted through skin contact and because this started happening 2 days after that experience.  i have never had any infections or problems, except a couple months ago i had a feeling of severe itching that lasted about two weeks and went away around the time of my period.  looking with a mirror, i see redness inside the outer lips, but i'm not sure if it's abnormal.  also, the right side of the inner lips seems to have a bluish discoloration.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your symptoms are an almost textbook-perfect description of a vaginal yeast infection.  Contrary to popular assumptions, the main symptoms of yeast infection aren't discharge or odor, but itching.  The irritation usually is exactly as you describe, "both inside and outside" and redness of the tissues--without visible open sores--also is typical.  The timing of onsent probably is coincidental with your sexual experience, although yeast sometimes may be acquired from a partner's hands or genitals.  Herpes is a possibility and can occur from non-penetrating genital contact, but I doubt that's the problem.

In any case, your symptoms are only a clue; you need to see a health care provider for proper examination and diagnosis.  Please do not be tempted to buy one of the over-the-counter yeast treatments.  That may be OK once yeast is confirmed, if it recurs in the future--but not for the first infection.

If you don't have a regular doctor or don't want your parents or their health insurance to be involved, call your local health department about a public health STD or family planning clinic; or try a local Planned Parenthood clinic.  The charges will be minimal, perhaps nothing.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[AmyCAte]

I understand what everyone is saying. I myself have been experiencing this discomfort, I know it's not herpes but, it's annoying. I have itching at times and then my lips will swell up HUGE and alittle discharge. This has been going on for 3 months now, the Dr. has treated me for Yeast infection, Atopic Dermatitis and has gived me many prescriptions for creams all my tests have came back neg. I have no idea whats going on down there.....