Confusing Herpes Symptoms... Grace could you help?

[misschasity]

Hi.  I have symptoms that I have gotten myself so worked up about, thinking they must be herpes.  I have had varying vulvar symptoms in the past that I have seen 5 different gyn's for, and none have been concerned about herpes for those.

Currently, I have one or two side-by-side small (2-3 mm I'd say?) dots on my labia.  They are red compared to the surrounding skin, and completely flat.   They have a mild pain.  No burning with urination.  

I have been getting them for the past few months, always the week after my period.  I'm on the pill, and it's usually after about 1 week of starting a new pack. They are always EXACTLY in the same spot. (I want to think it's hormonal, but sometimes I hear that can trigger HSV?)

I have seen my gyn last time, and she pretty much dismissed it, said it does not look like anything to be concerned about other than irritated skin.  Yet, every month, I see these two spots come back.  Sometimes a larger patch is just generally irritated.  

.... I am terrified.  My bf and I have sex, and he has no problems (as of now).  What would you do if this were you? Should I believe the visual diagnoses?  Should I rush to yet another doc first thing tomorrow?  I am so sick of this!!!

I am also very low risk... current bf is clean.  Only other partner, mutual handjobs, nothing else... Help!

Thanks SOO much Grace.  You are literally a saving grace on this site for some of us. :-)

[gracefromHHP]

not too sure replens would work well as a barrier cream. it also has chemicals in it that can be irritating to some gals. I'd go with something baby butt safe instead.

no need for testing based on your histories.

[misschasity]

Thanks Grace!
He has been tested and is negative for both HSV 1 and 2, I haven't because of my lack of other partners (other than the mutual masturbation, which I have read is little to no risk?)

I should have added earlier that the duration is really only 1-2 days, and I am definitely easily irritated "down below." My doc also mentioned using Replens as a barrier cream as you said.  

Based on the bf's testing / my history, do you think I need testing?


Thanks for your help! You are fabulous! :-D

[gracefromHHP]

have you and your current partner both had type specific herpes igg blood tests to see who has what?  It's typically not a part of routine std testing so check to be sure you both had it done so you can stop worrying about herpes :)

irritation a week after your period can be many things. you might want to try a different brand of pad/tampon next month to see if that helps too. Many women are sensitive to the ingredients in them and they are constantly changing what they put in them. also something as simple as for a few days after your period, using a barrier cream ( think anything you would put on a baby's butt ) around the areas that typically get rashy might be helpful too.  if you have a history of  "delicate" girlie parts, won't take much to make them rashy, dry or sore :(

grace