Yeast or Herpes?

[Karen982]

I was diagnosed with a yeast infection 6 weeks ago. Signs and symptoms included vulvovaginitis, increased urination and soreness. I also developed 3 acne-like eruptions after a day with one specifically located on my vulva. These were not painful, did not form any open sores and disappeared within 2 weeks. The yeast infection symptoms subsided within a week. However, last week I started experiencing soreness and stabbing pains in and around the labia majora. This too subsided within 3 days. I was sexually active before the yeast infection and used a condom 3 out of the 4 times we had intercourse. Do you recommend another gynaec exam and possible testing done for any STIs? I'm worried sick!

[Karen982]

Unfortunately we're not seeing each other anymore. He claims he got tested in March and all his tests were negative although I have no written proof of this. I guess time will tell :-) I plan on getting myself tested again after a couple of months. Thank you for your response. You've been very kind!

[gracefromHHP]

If you do have hsv2 then you know it's a newly acquired infection. If you are still dating the person you had sex with recently, at this point the best course of action is for them to get a type specific herpes igg blood test to see what their status is.

You've also treated for the whopper of a yeast infection they found. It's very hard to tell if it's the acyclovir working because it's herpes or the yeast treatment working for you.  I wouldn't jump to any conclusions whatsoever at this point.

grace

[Karen982]

I went back to another gyn as the pain intensity had reduced and although intermittent it  was still there (2/10). Her speculum exam revealed a really bad yeast infection. I got tested for everything and am waiting on the HPV results. She ordered serology tests for herpes which came back positive for IgM (1.4) but negative for both 1 & 2 for IgG (0.1).

From what I've read so far (ASHA), the IgM is pretty much useless and that the IgG should be taken atleast 12-16 weeks after initial exposure (just like you said Grace). I think I'm 10 weeks from the first encounter and about 6 weeks from the last encounter w/ my partner.

I have been prescribed a high dose of acyclovir over 5 days and after starting on 2 pills yesterday I haven't experienced the labia minora pain even once. Given my history, symptoms and tests do I have reason to believe that I do indeed have HSV-2? I will be getting the type-specific testing for HSV-2 done after 2.5 months for a confirmation.

[gracefromHHP]

I think covering your bases with herpes testing is a good idea.  You'll have to wait 4 months after the last time you had sex for the blood test.

I also think another gyn exam is a good idea if you get those pains again.

grace

[Karen982]

*Vulva: Labia Minora (acne like eruption). It can't possibly be folliculitis since the minora is hair less. Could these just be friction pimples that happened to rear their ugly heads w/ the yeast infection since I had sex right before the infection? Also, I had minimal discharge assoc with the infection.