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Question:
The last time I had sexual contact with anyone was about 7 months ago. I've never had sexual intercourse, however, I have performed oral sex and had it performed on me (without a condom). About 3 or 4 weeks afterwards, I started to experience a mild itch and redness on my labia majora and I noticed one or two hard painless bumps on my labia minora. At the time i thought it might have been related to excessive sweating, an allergic reaction, etc. However, I've noticed that around the time of my period the itching and redness reoccur (in fact i was recently masturbating and noticed the symptoms again). From the research I've done it sounds like Herpes or maybe even Syphilis, however, I have never had any oral outbreaks (something i would expect to happen because of my past sexual experience). I have an appointment at the Planned Parenthood, but I'm curious as to what i should be tested for. Do you have any clues?
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Answer:
by Raven James: (01/14/2006)
Hello. From what you have described, it sounds possible that you could have contracted Herpes from a partner. There are tyo types of Herpes, oral and genital. Both types have the same symptoms, the main difference between the two is where they are located. It is possible for oral herpes to be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex, and vice versa. The fact that you notice sypmtoms when you get your period is another sign that it could be herpes, as stress, menstruation, exposure to sunlight, and imuune suppression (through alcohol consumption, etc) can trigger outbreaks. Some people contract the herpes virus and never have outbreaks. Some people who contract herpes have as many as six or eight outbreaks per year.
As far as syphilis is concerned, once the inital chancre disappears, a person moves into a latency stage where no sypmtoms are present, and secondary stages of syphilis do not include more chancre sores.
You are wise to be having it checked out at Planned Parenthood, and responsible to be finding out to be informed in your future relationships. I would definitely have a test for herpes. The physical exam and consultation by a doctor will help you properly diagnose your issue. There are many treatments available for herpes, and being able to negotiate a relationship with a STI is very important to establishing trust. You may also want to talk to your partner about being tested as well. I wish you all the best and please write back if you have other questions or concerns.Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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