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Is it herpes?
About a month ago I had unprotected sex with a man I am seeing. Within a week or two I got a yeast infection. I realize these are not abnormal, but in my internet research I have found that they can be a sign of something more serious. Then a week or so later I noticed a small red bump on the outside of my vagina. I shave regularly so I didn't worry too much about it at first. I actually put some clean and clear acne medication on it and it shrank but did not disappear. The bump doesn't hurt or itch. Its not a blister and it hasn't scabbed or crusted. It has been there for about three or four weeks now. To top it off, I have another yeast infection. I will be going to he clinic soon to get tested. Does this sound like herpes. Most people I spoke to that have it said I wouldn't even have to ask, I would definately know. In looking online though, I see that some people do get some very mild cases.
Thank you. You've calmed me down a little bit. I wont totally relax until I hear it from someone who examined me, but I appreciate your advice. I will let you know what happens at the doctor.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the STD forum.
There are several possibilities here, but I doubt herpes is among them. Lots of people get confused by information on the web and elsewhere that says herpes causes yeast-like symptoms. That's true only to a point; typical yeast infections usually are exactly that. If your infection a couple weeks ago was professionally diagnosed, or if you have had professionally yeast infections in the past and your symptoms were as before, then that's probably what it was. (Typical symptoms means itching and irritation of the genital area as the main symptom, usually without much vaginal discharge, and without odor.)
That said, yeast infections are not sexually transmitted and typically are not triggered by sex. If your symptoms were not typical -- e.g., if discharge and/or odor were the main symptoms -- then an STD or a sexually related infection like bacterial vaginosis might be possible.
As for herpes, it is sort of true, you "wouldn't even have to ask". But only sort of. That's true it herpes is severe, but many cases are quite mild. Still, if you didn't have painful blisters or sores of the vaginal area, labia minor, etc, then herpes is unlikely. A "small red bump" in a hairy area -- i.e. where you had shaved -- is unlikley to be herpes.
You are doing the right thing by planing to visit a clinic. (Planned Parenthood? Your local health department STD clinic?) Tell them the full story, then follow their advice about possible diagnoses, treatment, etc.
Finally, consider asking your new partner to attend the clinic at the same time. By far the best and most efficient way to know for sure whether an STD is the problem is for both members of a couple to be examined at the same time by the same health professional. Whether or not you both are examined, please return with a comment to report what is found. In the meantime, I'm pretty confident herpes isn't the problem, although only a personal exam can tell for sure.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
There are several possibilities here, but I doubt herpes is among them. Lots of people get confused by information on the web and elsewhere that says herpes causes yeast-like symptoms. That's true only to a point; typical yeast infections usually are exactly that. If your infection a couple weeks ago was professionally diagnosed, or if you have had professionally yeast infections in the past and your symptoms were as before, then that's probably what it was. (Typical symptoms means itching and irritation of the genital area as the main symptom, usually without much vaginal discharge, and without odor.)
That said, yeast infections are not sexually transmitted and typically are not triggered by sex. If your symptoms were not typical -- e.g., if discharge and/or odor were the main symptoms -- then an STD or a sexually related infection like bacterial vaginosis might be possible.
As for herpes, it is sort of true, you "wouldn't even have to ask". But only sort of. That's true it herpes is severe, but many cases are quite mild. Still, if you didn't have painful blisters or sores of the vaginal area, labia minor, etc, then herpes is unlikely. A "small red bump" in a hairy area -- i.e. where you had shaved -- is unlikley to be herpes.
You are doing the right thing by planing to visit a clinic. (Planned Parenthood? Your local health department STD clinic?) Tell them the full story, then follow their advice about possible diagnoses, treatment, etc.
Finally, consider asking your new partner to attend the clinic at the same time. By far the best and most efficient way to know for sure whether an STD is the problem is for both members of a couple to be examined at the same time by the same health professional. Whether or not you both are examined, please return with a comment to report what is found. In the meantime, I'm pretty confident herpes isn't the problem, although only a personal exam can tell for sure.
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.
