symmetrical flat crater-like sores on labia majora

[gynodramaaaaa]

Yesterday I noticed that I had developed two small symmetrical sores on either side of my labia majora, right next to the hairline, and positioned so that the probably are touching when i stand. They don't hurt and only itch a little bit. They're relatively flat and kind of crater-like and are either pinkish red or whitish depending upon how much I've been pulling at the skin around them. They aren't filled with any kind of liquid, but they have a slight shininess at the center of the crater. My initial thought is that they're caused by irritation from layers of tights that I've been wearing since fall started, combined with the fact that I've been having a problem with a bad cough where I pee a little bit every time I cough, and then usually have to continue with my day with my panties slightly damp. Even with that rationalization, I'm still super paranoid that it could be herpes or some other STI. I've been looking at images and reading forums and there's enough of a grey area with people's descriptions that I feel a bit nervy about it. I am in an open relationship where we have condomless sex, but have very strictly safe sex with other partners. So far, since our relationship began, he has had two partners who are both also in an open relationship together, and I have only had one partner. I know that that fact alone is going to send out the red flag for herpes to a lot of people, but most of the symptoms aren't there. There's no twinging feeling, no pain, they do not appear to be filled with anything and I doubt that they will 'burst'. I'm just looking for concrete answers to what it could possibly be. So far I've treated them lightly with lavender oil and witch hazel. I plan on visiting my doctor tomorrow just to be sure.

[ROSYouralright]

Oh wow! I didn't even know about this!

[gynodramaaaaa]

UPDATE PT. 2: I got the results back from my gyno and found out that I have HSV-1, most likely transferred during oral sex. It was a huge shock to me at first, but I am comforted by the fact that because it is not in its preferred location (the mouth), I likely will not experience outbreaks as frequently or as severely as if it was HSV-2. A friend of mine who is an herbalist gave me a frankincense salve and a tincture of lemon balm that have helped immensely.

While I was operating under the assumption that I was practicing safe sex, it's super super important to remember that safe sex includes protection for oral-to genital contact as well as clear and open communication with a sexual partner before any bits touch and other bits!!!

[gynodramaaaaa]

Update: I went to my GP on campus yesterday morning, and she got a culture for herpes as well as a blood test for syphilis and went ahead and gave me some anti-viral meds in case it is herpes. That being said, she said it didn't look or behave much like herpes, and if anything looked most like aphthous ulcers. I await the results some time next week.

Last night, I discovered that the sores had sort of flattened out and turned a yellowish color, and were surrounded with patches of fresh red bumps. The whole areas surrounding them were sort of sticky, but I couldn't tell if it was coming from the sores or was just vaginal fluid or discharge. I freaked out and got pretty upset, because this seemed to pretty obviously be herpes. This morning, I checked them again and there were a couple of particularly large bumps that looked to be filled with some kind of fluid. I cleaned up and tried to keep my mind off of them all day. It doesn't really hurt at all unless i have direct physical contact, and then it feels kind of stingy and raw. This evening I decided to check it out again and the two main blister-type things had already ruptured, though I never felt it. The original sores are still a little yellowish and the skin is red, but aside from that things are looking a little better. I have no idea if any of this meshes with the characteristics of herpes but it all seems to be happening so fast. I have another appointment tomorrow to check out the development.

I finally found a post in one of these forums that actually seemed to match up with this thing I'm experiencing down to the letter. In the follow-up to the post, the woman said her tests for herpes came back negative, but it was some other kind of virus that responded to the anti-viral herpes meds. I'm wondering if this sounds familiar to anyone and if I can maybe anticipate a similar outcome?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These sores can be due to molluscum contagiosum. They are multiple, small, dome-shaped papules, often with a central depression or plug. They are the result of a viral skin infection that is spread through skin-to-skin contact, so the infection can often be passed on during sex. You should consult an urologist who will physically examine your lumps and then decide the treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[ROSYouralright]

Seeing your doctor is a wonderful idea. If its nothing then your mind will be at ease.. If its something you can get it treated... I would definitely suggest the use of condoms until you are in a monogamous relationship. Best of luck to you..