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Herpes/Bacterial Vaginosis/Trich/or Psychosis??
I went to the doctor because i thought i had gential warts on december 28th. I have 4 growths 2 larger and 2 smaller, she ruled out Herpes and was left believing it was either Molluscum or Gential Warts. She prescribed Aldara to me and I have been using it for the past 3 weeks which have made the bumps much smaller. I was also tested for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, both tested negative.
Sround the same time I had a medium to light grayish discharge that had a fishy odor especially after I showered. I've had no pain in this time. About a week ago I've noticed a slight irritation some itching/slight burning. I also noticed some redness close to my anus that not painful in the least. No painful blisters/open sores/ulcers just some redness on my vagina. I have no problem peeing or pooping either. When I originally went to the doctor last they asked about any new soaps. I have been using a new body wash. Which I now have stopped using.
I know the Aldara cream does irritate the skin and could itch as well. I did use it in both areas that are currently inflamed. I very well know this could be the reason for all my problems, but I'm still worried and in need of some relief!
I have been researching every infection known to man. I originally thought I had bacterial vaginosis or even trich. I also read that the red bumps close to the anus can be caused by stress. But I'm still worried that I may have genital herpes. I am going to the same doctor this friday to follow up and get some sort of insight and a herpes test as well. But for now does it sound like herpes or am I over reacting?
Sround the same time I had a medium to light grayish discharge that had a fishy odor especially after I showered. I've had no pain in this time. About a week ago I've noticed a slight irritation some itching/slight burning. I also noticed some redness close to my anus that not painful in the least. No painful blisters/open sores/ulcers just some redness on my vagina. I have no problem peeing or pooping either. When I originally went to the doctor last they asked about any new soaps. I have been using a new body wash. Which I now have stopped using.
I know the Aldara cream does irritate the skin and could itch as well. I did use it in both areas that are currently inflamed. I very well know this could be the reason for all my problems, but I'm still worried and in need of some relief!
I have been researching every infection known to man. I originally thought I had bacterial vaginosis or even trich. I also read that the red bumps close to the anus can be caused by stress. But I'm still worried that I may have genital herpes. I am going to the same doctor this friday to follow up and get some sort of insight and a herpes test as well. But for now does it sound like herpes or am I over reacting?
A related discussion, please help was started.
Yeah the irritation is pretty mild especially around the anal region and the areas are a little further than 1-2 inches apart. They haven't come and gone, however they really have not progressed into anything else ie. open sore or ulcer.
Once again thank you for your guidance, I definitely feel more at ease going into my appointment tomorrow!
Once again thank you for your guidance, I definitely feel more at ease going into my appointment tomorrow!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Herpes is highly variable, but it doesn't come and go like you imply, and as you suggest yourself, it doesn't cause widely scattered lesions. Recurrent herpes typically reappears each time within 1-2 inches of the same spot. I do not see it is a serious possibility.
The irritation and dicharge don't have to be due to the same thing. You could easily both have BV plus irritation from imiquimod.
I really can't help further. Your doctor can.
The irritation and dicharge don't have to be due to the same thing. You could easily both have BV plus irritation from imiquimod.
I really can't help further. Your doctor can.
Thank you for your response! I'm trying to keep a level head here!
I originally believed it to be BV, but the irritation around my anus is not consistent with BV. Then of couse your mind wanders and you start to panic and believe its everything else!
As far as herpes leisions go, do they come quickly? I actually went to Planned Parenthood for my first visit due to the fact I am currently between jobs and cannot go to my regular Gyno. I asked the nurse on duty today while picking up the Aldara prescription about what I might have. She told the me sores typically look like those that one would get on their mouth. I have been getting cold sores since I was a child and mine typically appear and fully develop within the first 24 hours, and since I've noticed the red painless irritation (doesnt seem to have any fluid inside) for almost 5 days or even more, is it safe to put my mind as ease and almost rule out herpes. I did apply the aldara to the anal region due to the fact i thought I had a molluscum bump there. So I know I may have been a little over zealous with the Aldara!
It is normal or possible to react in one place and not the other? I have no reaction in my buttock/thigh area where there are 2 GW/Molluscum bumps, but a slight redness in the other 2 bumps and the anal area.
Thank you for your time and reassurance! I am hoping for a combination of a simple BV infection and a reaction to the Aldara!
I originally believed it to be BV, but the irritation around my anus is not consistent with BV. Then of couse your mind wanders and you start to panic and believe its everything else!
As far as herpes leisions go, do they come quickly? I actually went to Planned Parenthood for my first visit due to the fact I am currently between jobs and cannot go to my regular Gyno. I asked the nurse on duty today while picking up the Aldara prescription about what I might have. She told the me sores typically look like those that one would get on their mouth. I have been getting cold sores since I was a child and mine typically appear and fully develop within the first 24 hours, and since I've noticed the red painless irritation (doesnt seem to have any fluid inside) for almost 5 days or even more, is it safe to put my mind as ease and almost rule out herpes. I did apply the aldara to the anal region due to the fact i thought I had a molluscum bump there. So I know I may have been a little over zealous with the Aldara!
It is normal or possible to react in one place and not the other? I have no reaction in my buttock/thigh area where there are 2 GW/Molluscum bumps, but a slight redness in the other 2 bumps and the anal area.
Thank you for your time and reassurance! I am hoping for a combination of a simple BV infection and a reaction to the Aldara!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'll try to help, but the main thing is to return to your doctor, tell her all you say here then let her work it out. If you're not happy with her understanding or apparent knowledge, find another one. Your local health department STD clinic or a family planning clinic like Planned Parenthood would be good options for expert advice. In any case, you will never get definite answers online, either by looking at information about various infections or asking questions of distant experts.
Your vaginal discharge indeed is consistent with bacterial vaginosis. Trich probably is less likely, but that's because trich is a lot less common than BV. In regard to the irritation, imiquimod (Aldara) often does that wherever it is applied, as you already know, so that seems a good bet. From your description, herpes doesn't seem at all likely, but if your provider agrees the lesions look consistent with that diagnosis, appropriate testing can be done. If not, you shouldn't demand a blood test on your own; rely on your provider's judgment. Stress does lots of things, but it won't cause red bumps around the anus or anywhere else.
Most likely your doctor is going to suggest ignoring the irritation until you have been off imiquimod for 1-2 weeks, then evaluate it if it persists. If BV or trich is present, that's an easy diagnosis and treatment can be prescribed.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Your vaginal discharge indeed is consistent with bacterial vaginosis. Trich probably is less likely, but that's because trich is a lot less common than BV. In regard to the irritation, imiquimod (Aldara) often does that wherever it is applied, as you already know, so that seems a good bet. From your description, herpes doesn't seem at all likely, but if your provider agrees the lesions look consistent with that diagnosis, appropriate testing can be done. If not, you shouldn't demand a blood test on your own; rely on your provider's judgment. Stress does lots of things, but it won't cause red bumps around the anus or anywhere else.
Most likely your doctor is going to suggest ignoring the irritation until you have been off imiquimod for 1-2 weeks, then evaluate it if it persists. If BV or trich is present, that's an easy diagnosis and treatment can be prescribed.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
