BV or Herpes Misdiagnosis?

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Last Sunday I had unprotected sex 3 times in a row with a new partner (whose penis was larger than I'm used to), the next day, Monday, I started experiencing pain when I walked or sat down, but I assumed it was just from the amount of sex I had. Tuesday morning I woke up needing to pee and it burned so badly that I teared up and almost couldn't pee at all. Assuming I either had a UTI or and STD, I immediately went to a clinic and got tested and treated for Chlamydia, Gonnorhea, and UTI just in case. Wednesday morning I did not feel any relief, and got a mirror to check myself out, I noticed ulcer/blister-like sores in my vagina. There was also a cloudy yucky discharge along with it. Obviously, I started to freak out assuming that it was herpes, as it looked just like it.

(Side note - about 3 weeks prior to this I got std tested at my yearly and got blood tested for herpes etc, as a precaution and everything except for HSV-1 came back negative. I have had cold sores since I was a child so I was already aware of that.)

So, Wednesday after noticing the painful sores I went to an urgent care clinic and had them checked out and the sores swabbed to be tested at a lab. The doctor told me the sores looked like herpes, but the test would verify.

Today, the following Monday, I was told that all STD tests came back negative, and the swab for the sores came back negative for HSV-1 and HSV-2, but POSITIVE for Bacterial Vaginosis. I am still very uneasy as these symptoms seem to line up with herpes. But could it be possible that these sores could have been caused by BV? I've never had any sort of STD in my life, I'm 22. Has anyone else had a similar experience? I have been very hard on myself and embarrassed thinking about the future of my dating life until today. I would be very blessed to know this is, in fact, not herpes and is just bacterial. Help!

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  • Posted

    Hello I'm a suffering of BV for years since my early twenties I'm now 40 and I haven't had BV since around 31 the first cause of BV is bad bacteria it's not STD but the symptoms maybe similar a fishy discharge that's grayish looking. More than likely you just have BV it's very cunning with a new sexual partner. Just to be on the safe side take the medication for BV and have your new partner tested for all STDs as well. Unfornately BV can't be detected in males but they do carry bad bacteria could be from anything their diet etc. the sores could be from shaving pubic hair new soap products that you are allergic too or an insect bite I wouldn't worry to much about it because the clinic would be able to tell you for sure if it's an STD

    • Posted

      Boric Acid suppositories can help keep your ph acidic. You can get PH test strips and see where you're at now, which you should be slightly acidic. Bacterial imbalance is what causes BV symptoms. If your PH is correct, the wrong bacteria won't be able overpopulate and cause issues.

  • Posted

    I'm sorry you're going through this. Did you happen to ask your partner if he is clear of STD's? Another option is to go back in a few months and get the HSV-2 blood test again to know for sure. 

    I feel like I did see other posts in here about blisters with BV. I will try to find the thread for you. 

  • Posted

    I used to experience those symptmoms after intercourse with a certain guy, also when I had a lot of sex that eventually got a bit dry. Some guys' semen have a very high pH. I would advise u to use condoms and a good water-based lube. As for the BV, get essential oils for that.

    • Posted

      That actually makes sense because 2 nights before the symptoms began, I had sex several times in a row with a guy who had a very large penis. And it did hurt me.  
    • Posted

      Could also douche afterwards with the proper PH solution. An acidic vagina is a happy one!

  • Edited

    The same thing has happened to me. My obgyn did a pap, along with ALL STD testing. Couple days late she stayed I had BV & to take a medication to clear it up. I’ve never took this medication before, but did. Along side with it I had ALL the horrible side effects. The day after I finished the treatment, I’ve noticed a real wet discharge that felt as if I peed on myself. My underwear were soaked. This happened for 2 days until I noticed pain and sores on the outside of my vagina & a few near my rectum. I was also having an extreme headache along with body aches as well. I went to the ER, they stated that tests said the BV came back and wasn’t cleared in my system. After the pain got worse, the next 2 days I seen my PCP who stated everything looked like a bad reaction from the medication, she informed me to STOP taking the antibiotics that the ER started me on and again & to follow up with my OBGYN. My OB didn’t have anything available for appointments soon so I then went to see another doctor at a different hospital because the pain was so mad. The doctor took one look at me & said “Have you ever been tested for herpes? This looks like a Herpes virus” I PANICED! Cultures were taken and blood were drawn. This all happened yesterday. I can’t sleep, eat or think about anything else. My body was fine before taking any medication given from my OB from the beginning, now things have gotten worse and I’m so scared. What could this be? A reaction to the metronidazole or Herpes!? I just can’t wait until the results come back..

    • Posted

      hi misty, how did this turn out for you? I hope it was in your favor ...
    • Edited

      Let me know what the results are. I never really got anything looked into ever since my blood tests came back saying it was not genital herpes, that it was BV. But my tests did say I have herpes 1 which is where cold sores on the lips come from, but I’ve gotten cold sores since I was a child so. I haven’t had any outbreak since I was treated for BV, but it was such a traumatic health experience that I think about it every time I use the rest room or have sex. Still messes with my head.
  • Posted

    How long did it take for the sores and painful urination to go away after starting the metronidazole?
  • Posted

    Thank you very much for sharing. Sounds much like my story. I assumed I had gotten it from an old partner who was not loyal..but there is no way of knowing. I will be following up with a obgyn soon.. much like you, I went to an urgent care. They were very helpful and sincere as I cried through the entire appointment. How are you ??? What have you learned ? Have you had anymore breakouts? What medications have you taken. Thanks soo much !!

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