Aa
Could I have herpes?! Stressing like crazy while waiting for my appointment date.
I have spent a romantic getaway weekend with my boyfriend that currently lives in another city. the day after coming home, that is this morning, i have had mild itching and discomfort in the vaginal area. Mostly in the inner lips and near the opening. as the day went on and the discomfort mildly increased, i decided to check everything out in front of a mirror. I have noticed 2 small round like 'sores' on the inside of my right vaginal lip. I have a hard time describing what it looks like apart from small areas which are darker red in color and simply look as if the outer skin layer has rubbed off: essentially exposing tiny rawer skin. in addition to this I have a definite blister right next to the vaginal opening.
Could these symptoms be in any way due to anything ohter than herpes?! I am terrified, and keep hopeing that it may simply be due to a weekend of over-doing it in bed: too much friction after a relatively long period of abstinence.
While i wait to see my doctor, I would greatly appreciate any advice on these symptoms, for better or for worse, thank you!
Could these symptoms be in any way due to anything ohter than herpes?! I am terrified, and keep hopeing that it may simply be due to a weekend of over-doing it in bed: too much friction after a relatively long period of abstinence.
While i wait to see my doctor, I would greatly appreciate any advice on these symptoms, for better or for worse, thank you!
Hey no problem with the sharing. I really hope you don't have it but if you do it really will be okay. I'm so sorry about your incompetent doctor haha that sounds truly awful. I know this is a very hard thing to deal with and it can make you feel really bad about yourself but it really be okay. If you ever need to talk about anything i'm here! best of luck!!
it's valtrex you were given. it should be 1gm 2x/day for 7-10 days.
your gyn can order the testing for you. your bf's provider can order his testing.
well I just clicked on my link and it appears the international herpes management forum is no longer in existence :( I guess I no longer have links to info in other languages :( sorry about that - they were there the last time I clicked on them.
many things can cause lesions in the genital area. proper testing within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms is the best way to get more accurate answers.
your gyn can order the testing for you. your bf's provider can order his testing.
well I just clicked on my link and it appears the international herpes management forum is no longer in existence :( I guess I no longer have links to info in other languages :( sorry about that - they were there the last time I clicked on them.
many things can cause lesions in the genital area. proper testing within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms is the best way to get more accurate answers.
Too late?! I should have made a scene and demanded a proper examination!! :(
As for the medication, I was prescribed something called Zelitrex, but got a generic product called Valaciclovar and it is an antiviral.
For the herpes igg blood testing, can this be done at my gyn or does it need to be prescribed by her etc.?
And as for the link in french, I would really appreciate it :) seeing as a lot of the terms are so different I had a hard time today remembering what 'sore' was in french....
And, although i know that this is in part me trying to avoid what seems to be a more and more sure herpes diagnosis, I have a friend with whom I talked to yesterday who had what in french we call a 'mycose'. I would assume it is vaginal mycosis in english (?) and her symptoms sounded identical to mine etc. I am finding it hard to find reliable information on this on the internet. Could this be a possible cause as well?
and last but not least, I woke up this morning with my left lymph-node (the one in front of my ear, not behind the ear) very hard, swollen and painful. Should i be worried about this? I mentioned it to the doctor today who brushed it aside with a "usually with herpes you have swollen lymph-nodes in the groin area". hmphhh.
unfortunately going to be seen wednesday is too late :( You won't be able to get accurate testing at that point. did the clinic you were seen at prescribe antivirals for you? you said antibiotics - was it actually acyclovir or valtrex? also make sure your gyn tests you properly for vaginitis ( bv especially is very common with genital herpes ) as well as you and your partner should seek out type specific herpes igg blood testing.
I'd definitely take the time to write a letter of complaint to the clinic you were seen at - call and find out if they have a complaint line to call or find out who the clinic manager is and get their email. This was poor medicine :( A visual diagnosis only and no testing at this point is malpractice.
The free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com has terrific basic info on herpes. your english seems fine but if you prefer herpes info in french, let me know because I think I actually have a link :)
There is a difference between hsv1 and hsv2 genitally. knowing your type is very important for you and your current partner as well as any future partners. the handbook goes into more why it is important to know your type - it helps you decide what precautions to take as well as how often to expect future recurrences as well as helps you decide how to treat your herpes too. yes , both viruses are treated the same when you have obvious lesions but there are distinct differences.
keep asking questions!
I'd definitely take the time to write a letter of complaint to the clinic you were seen at - call and find out if they have a complaint line to call or find out who the clinic manager is and get their email. This was poor medicine :( A visual diagnosis only and no testing at this point is malpractice.
The free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com has terrific basic info on herpes. your english seems fine but if you prefer herpes info in french, let me know because I think I actually have a link :)
There is a difference between hsv1 and hsv2 genitally. knowing your type is very important for you and your current partner as well as any future partners. the handbook goes into more why it is important to know your type - it helps you decide what precautions to take as well as how often to expect future recurrences as well as helps you decide how to treat your herpes too. yes , both viruses are treated the same when you have obvious lesions but there are distinct differences.
keep asking questions!
I went to the walk-in clinic today and was seen by what I felt to be far too unprofessional doctor. I described my symptoms and my fears, he examined me barely 30 seconds, i mean, i hardly even know how much he was able to see, i hardly had enough time time to even get into position before he told me i could get dressed and definately diagnosing me with herpes. I asked, and almost insisted for him to take a culture sample etc, but he was so adamant and rushed that I decided I would just go see my gynecologist on wednesday to double check everything and do all the necessary testing.
It was very frustrating and unstabilizing to be told I had herpes after such an inconsequential and almost non existant examination! I had a urine sample done though, and a blood test to check for all other std's.
Nevertheless, I am almost more confused now about herpes than I was before. According to him, herpes 1 & 2 are actually one and the same (as he puts it, it is what doctors thought existed before) so apparently there is no need for a typologie test?! I am also confused about the contagiousness of this virus, am i constantly contageous or only when I am having physical manifestations of the virus? and furthermore, is it possible to get tested for herpes if you have not developed any of the symptoms or physical characteristics to take samples from? I am very confused, and angry with all of the unclear information I have gotten today.
Fortunately I was prescribed antibiotics to take for 10 days and a pomade cream. So far I think things are feeling better, although urinating was excrutiatingly painful at times today.
One more question for tonight :s : I am now menstruating (to add to this wonderful mess of course) does this complicate or worsen the symptoms or help in any way to spread the development of sores?? Im just worried, and exhausted.
WHATDABUCK: thank you for sharing your experience, I have to admit that before being 'diagnosed' with herpes, I had quite a negative idea of the kind of people that were contaminated with it, I really did have negative prejudices about it and those infected, this is why knowing that I have (or may...who knows yet) is making me feel pretty down. one moment I feel like its the end of the world, the next I try to see it as me simply having a cold, which is contageous to others and thats it, end of story.
Thank you medhelp, and Grace, what with all my worry and questions, and no one to really talk this through with, you have really helped make it all rational and keep me down to earth.
I will keep posted on mt std test results in general and my second gynocologist appointment.
hello!
i'm so sorry to hear about your situation. i know it's embarrassing and the stigma for stds is awful. i experienced pretty much the exact same thing last year. my bf had what i thought was a pimple on his lip and we ended up engaging in oral. turns out it was a cold sore and i now have HVS1...but of course only in the cross infected area hahaha i thought i should have gotten it on my mouth since we were kissing too, but that wasn't the case. also he had no other symptoms besides the one bump so i'm not surprised your bf doesn't have any symptoms. also just because of anatomy it is much easier for girls than guys to get it. mine started with itching and discomfort for a few days and then painful urination. i thought i was getting a yeast infection and then maybe a uti? but a few days later i noticed sores much like the ones you described. it then went from itching to painful and then to very painful haha. and i had to pee frequently as well. try and get in to your doc asap because getting on meds to help you get over the initial outbreak is the only thing that will help with the pain. i had no idea herpes even hurt...not trying to scare you but it definitely does...a lot. i really hope you don't have it and that it is just an infection, but if it does turn out to be that it really isn't the end of the world. it does suck and it's embarrassing, but it's completely manageable. i know that's definitely not what you expected to happen at 25...i was 18 when i got mine and i was pissed haha. i've never hooked up with a random person and i got it from the 2nd guy i ever slept with. since you're in a committed relationship i know it makes it very frustrating since you didn't do anything wrong. this won't really go away hahaha but all you can do is accept it and not blame yourself for it. it really is manageable and not as bad as you think. also, i didn't really get flu like symptoms either, though i did have swollen lymph nodes in my groin. best of luck to you; i really hope you don't have it. keep us updated and good luck!
i'm so sorry to hear about your situation. i know it's embarrassing and the stigma for stds is awful. i experienced pretty much the exact same thing last year. my bf had what i thought was a pimple on his lip and we ended up engaging in oral. turns out it was a cold sore and i now have HVS1...but of course only in the cross infected area hahaha i thought i should have gotten it on my mouth since we were kissing too, but that wasn't the case. also he had no other symptoms besides the one bump so i'm not surprised your bf doesn't have any symptoms. also just because of anatomy it is much easier for girls than guys to get it. mine started with itching and discomfort for a few days and then painful urination. i thought i was getting a yeast infection and then maybe a uti? but a few days later i noticed sores much like the ones you described. it then went from itching to painful and then to very painful haha. and i had to pee frequently as well. try and get in to your doc asap because getting on meds to help you get over the initial outbreak is the only thing that will help with the pain. i had no idea herpes even hurt...not trying to scare you but it definitely does...a lot. i really hope you don't have it and that it is just an infection, but if it does turn out to be that it really isn't the end of the world. it does suck and it's embarrassing, but it's completely manageable. i know that's definitely not what you expected to happen at 25...i was 18 when i got mine and i was pissed haha. i've never hooked up with a random person and i got it from the 2nd guy i ever slept with. since you're in a committed relationship i know it makes it very frustrating since you didn't do anything wrong. this won't really go away hahaha but all you can do is accept it and not blame yourself for it. it really is manageable and not as bad as you think. also, i didn't really get flu like symptoms either, though i did have swollen lymph nodes in my groin. best of luck to you; i really hope you don't have it. keep us updated and good luck!
most people don't get flu like symptoms with herpes infections actually.
definitely try to be seen today or tomorrow for a lesion culture. make sure they also test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally too even if it's painful to do so because of the lesions.
definitely try to be seen today or tomorrow for a lesion culture. make sure they also test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally too even if it's painful to do so because of the lesions.
While im still waiting to get to a walk-in clinic (which are only open specific hours on specific days!) I would say that symptoms and level of pain and discomfort have gotten worse :(
It now definately hurts/stings when I urinate, after which I have a brief period of sharp itching, discomfort & pain. I have also noticed what I think may be 2 new sores developping on the left inside lip and above the opening of my vagina. Although I am aware that I cannot simply diagnose myself without the proper tests and a consultation with a specialist, I am now almost convinced it is herpes, which is taking a big toll on my morale. I just turned 25, this is not the present from life that I expected this year you can imagine. my only remaining doubts (hope?) have to do with my absence of any other physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, cold like symptoms etc.
I just want to be given an answer and a relief from all the chaos going on down there!
And thank you Grace for your prompt replies!
oh yeah next thursday is long to wait, I thought you meant today thursday!
hard to tell if the more frequent urination is from infection or just nerves.
herpes symptoms will occur anytime between 2-20 days after being infected so yes if you contracted it the first night together, they could be showing up when they did. same as recurrences can show up at any time too. as always, could be any number of other things going on too.
hard to tell if the more frequent urination is from infection or just nerves.
herpes symptoms will occur anytime between 2-20 days after being infected so yes if you contracted it the first night together, they could be showing up when they did. same as recurrences can show up at any time too. as always, could be any number of other things going on too.
Yes i have spoken to him about it, he will be seeing his doctor this week as well. We are both very open with each other and trust is not an issue. He is just as worried as I am. I will try seeing if there is space available for a consultation in a walk-in clinic either tommorow or saturday as I am far too impatient to wait untill Thursday.
Im sorry to be asking so many questions, but I have noticed that I feel the urge to urinate a lot more frequently these last 2 days than usual. Is this a symptom or just all in my head? and finally (for now!) is it normal that I have started to see visual signs of possible herpes 1 day after seeing him for 3 days? And as we both engaged in both vaginal and oral sex, should or could I not get or start to see symptoms on my lips, or anywhere else for that matter??
odds are that neither of you were ever tested for herpes.
have you talked to your bf about this? have you asked him if he'll seek out testing? do you trust him since it's a long distance relationship?
no, your bf might not be noticing symptoms of herpes if he has it.
follow up thursday at your appointment and stop back to let us know what they think is going on. no visual diagnosis of herpes either - if they suspect it, they need to do a lesion culture and typing for you.
have you talked to your bf about this? have you asked him if he'll seek out testing? do you trust him since it's a long distance relationship?
no, your bf might not be noticing symptoms of herpes if he has it.
follow up thursday at your appointment and stop back to let us know what they think is going on. no visual diagnosis of herpes either - if they suspect it, they need to do a lesion culture and typing for you.
Unfortunately I cant be seen untill thursday. Hence my ongoing worry about what all this may be. we have both had full std testing (although nearly 2 yrs ago now) and for my part herpes test was not included.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the itching and discomfort while waiting to see my doctor? Strangely enough, it is becoming more 'painful' than itchy today and it is especially what i think is the blister that hurts the most as it is quite hard in touch.
If these are syptoms of herpes, shouldnt my bf have some signs and or symptoms come up as well?!
thanks!
the best thing to do is to be seen today or tomorrow and get a proper exam. they can test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally while you are there as well as if they suspect herpes, they can do a lesion culture and typing.
have you and your bf had full std testing that included herpes testing?
grace
have you and your bf had full std testing that included herpes testing?
grace
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
