Too bad the other doc didn't test the lesion. That was a mistake.
My inclination is that you not take the valacyclovir, or stop it if you have already begun, unless the lesion is especially painful. The anti-HSV drugs significantly shorten the course of true initial herpes, but have little effect on recurrent herpes and will interfere with diagnostic testing if your doctor recommends the swab test the original doc should have done. It also will be best if your own doctor can assess the untreated appearance of the lesion. At the same time, I suggest you talk to your doc's office and try to move up your appointment, ideally for today or tomorrow. If you explain the situation to her (or an office nurse), she should understand the urgency and might work you in earlier.
This doctor at my clinic only did a quick physical exam, no other tests were done. He prescribed me valacyclovir Hcl 500 mg and instructed me to take 1 3 times daily for 7 days. I'm seeing my regular doctor in a few days to see her view on in and ask for the HSV blood test. I remember in high school I had mono and was told I had EBV, could that be recurring?
It is indeed possible to have entirely asymptomatic initial genital herpes, and to then have a localized recurrent outbreak. Stress is not a known trigger -- it's one of those things that people speculate about and that some physicians believe, but it probably isn't true. However, other illnesses might trigger some outbreaks; if you have some other viral infection, for example, that is causing your fever, perhaps it has caused a herpes outbreak.
Did your doctor take a swab test from your genital lesion(s) to check for HSV? That's the preferred test in this situation. If you have a blood test that is positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2, it will indicate that herpes was a possible cause of your genital lesion, but won't prove it. However, a negative blood test will show that you don't have recurrent herpes.
Finally, I'd be interested to know what drug your doctor prescribed, including the dose and duration.
Oh and something I just remember when this male doctor examined me, he said that I probably didn't notice my intial infection because I could have mistaken it for a yeast infection. That is was a reoccurence brought on by stress. Is it even possible to not notice herpes during the first out break? I'm pretty obseverant to my own body though and this is definitely something I've never experienced happening, and like you said 9 months would be too long for this to just now start. Maybe he assumed I'm lying about my sexual activity.
I do really appreciate the response back :). I think next week I'm just going to see my normal doctor and ask for a blood test. I'm just worried this is some weird infection that is going to continue giving me fevers until something is figured out, but I wasn't sure if taking the medication I was prescribed for herpes will be okay to take if I end up not even having it. Should I take as prescribed to see if it improves?
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question, which came in just as I was checking the forum at the end of the day.
I'm sorry you have had such an unpleasant experience, and apparently such insensitive care, in your doctor's office.
Your story is not typical for either a yeast infection or genital herpes. Among these two possibilities, herpes seems more likely. However, I really think you need to see another doctor for a second opinion. A gynecologist with special expertise in infectious diseases would be a good choice; or a dermatologist.
An initial genital herpes infection could cause the systemic symptoms you describe (fever, body aches, etc), but new genital herpes isn't possible in someone who hasn't had sex for 9 months. Recurrent herpes doesn't usually cause fever, muscle aches, etc. However, there are a number of non-STD viral infections that could cause the fever and body aches, accompanied by a genital ulcer or rash.
My guess is that this is going to turn out to be neither herpes nor a yeast infection, and not an STD. But I'm afraid that's about all I can say. I'll be interested to hear what is found after you have had a second medical opinion.
Sorry I can't be more helpful. Best wishes-- HHH, MD