vaginal itching and soreness, possibly herpes?

[katkat44]

After having unprotected sex around mid-March I had a LOT of itching in my outer vaginal area. Not in the pubic region but mostly around the lips and vaginal opening, very very annoying and extreme itching which gave me the urge to scratch even though that probably aggravated my problem. I had some redness and a lot of areas where it looked like my skin was cracked and really sensitive, with a lot of little red dots, I don't know if this is what was causing the itching or if that was the result of my scratching

I went to have a pap smear and get tested for STDs in April and the doctor said it didn't look like i had anything from just the visual examination, she told me that I didn't have a yeast infection nor did I have any kind of bacterial infection. The STD tests all came back negative but later I came to find out that the test didn't include herpes...which is really ridiculous... But my question is if that much terrible itching is a typical symptom of herpes? I havent had any strange discharge or the "classic sores" that I've seen pictures of online, I have had muscle and headaches but I don't know if that is just from me stressing myself out about this.

The itching and soreness lasts for about 2-3 days and then subsides completely, then a week or so later it'll happen again. Any ideas of what this could be?

[estrellab]

sounds like herpes. I had similar symptoms and it sounds like what I had. Get a herpes select type specific test to be sure.

[md1733]

Your experience sounds very similar to mine. I too have redness and burning that reoccurs often. I feel a little relief during the week of my period but have discomfort the rest of the month. My doctor was unable to find any sores or lesions that could be swabbed, and she says that my symptoms aren't behaving like a herpes outbreak. She had me make changes in my lifestyle in case I was having allergic responses. These include wearing cotton underwear, sleeping without underwear at night, using detergent and soaps for sensitive skin, and washing the vaginal area with only water. I'm sorry to say that my symptoms have not improved any, but it is something that you can try.

My suggestion to you would be to have a herpes blood test for HSV1 and HSV2. I tested negative for both on my initial test, so if I am positive, I know my infection was a very recent one and I know who I need to inform about my results. It is a shame that herpes is not tested along with all other standard STDs. Too many doctors are telling people that they "are clean" when that is not always the case. Be firm with the doctor if you decide to go back for another appointment. Find someone that will listen and insist that they run the tests that you request.

If I find out any other information from my doctor, I will pass it along to you. It would be great if you could do the same!

Best of luck!

[gracefromHHP]

Did she actually test you for bacterial infections or just do a visual inspection and say you didn't have any? An itch to drive you crazy is usually bv and you won't always have obvious discharge to let you know that you have it.  I'd return to your doctor ( or a different one ) for a further work up since your symptoms are still continuing. This really doesn't sound like herpes but if you want get tested for the peace of mind .

grace

[jp813]

I had similar symptoms.  Extreme itchiness, red, swollen, etc.  Knew it wasn't yeast, but guess the first doctor didn't want to listen to me.  Was treated for both yeast and when that didn't work for bv.  Turned out to be high levels of Group B Strep.  From my understanding, the medicine for that is very specific.  Hope you figure it out soon and are comfortable again

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