Herpes or something else?

[marilyn25813]

I have has oral hsv-1 for about 15 years now.  2 yrs ago I had a painful vaginal rash... Went to doc and had swab and blood test done.  Swab neg, blood test neg for hsv-2 and pos for hsv-1 (obviously, I have oral hsv-1).  Fast forward 2 yrs and I have another painful vaginal rash (both were accompanied by flu-like symptoms).  This time went to doc very early (24 hrs after first symptoms showed).  Swab test again neg, blood test for type 2 neg!

Doc still thinks it could be hsv-1 genitally.  For the past 6 weeks I've been paranoid about every little tingle, and it feels like the more I look to see what's going on the more irritated and raw the skin gets.

How can I know for sure if I have genital hsv-1 if the cultures keep coming back neg?  And how can I be less of a herpechondriac about every little uncomfortable feeling down there?  

Finally, does it even sound like it could be hsv-1?  I had no bumps or blisters.  The second time is more fresh in my memory and it was a feeling of irritation(post sex) with red spots.  24 hrs later skin is cracked, raw with a couple ulcerish looking spots.  Location was inner labia minora and around urethra.  Pain was extreme!

[gracefromHHP]

half of women don't have obvious discharge with bv and it's very common. it's unfortunate that your provider focused on herpes and dropped the ball  with the rest of the exam/testing :(  

if you still have symptoms, indeed you should return for more testing and exam.  

[marilyn25813]

Thank you so much Grace for your response.  I was not tested for yeast or bacterial infections.  Although the pain has stopped I still feel a little irritated, and its been going on for about six weeks.  I have not had any discharge, normal or unusual, so I didn't even consider the possibility of yeast or bacterial.  Should I head back to the doc for a test?  Or is it possible that my body dealt with it on its own and is still just healing?

Thanks again, it is so nice to discuss this with someone knowledgable.

[gracefromHHP]

incredibly unlikely this is genital herpes going on. You have a well established oral hsv1 infection which gives you significant protection against contracting hsv1 genitally. It's not 100% but it's up there. You had 2 lesion cultures in a timely manner and you tested negative twice for hsv2.  Your provider should be moving past herpes as a cause at this point.

did they also test you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally when you were seen?

grace