1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

Does this sound like herpes?

Posted , 2 users are following.

sarah_18572
sarah_18572

I have been suffering with problems down there since last may when I started getting abnormal discharge and a lot of itching then in September I got a cold and the flu really bad and at the same time got under the skin bumps at the opening of the vagina they could not be seen when looking with a mirror but felt like a pea under the skin, they were more uncomfortable than painful. I went to doctor who then referred me to a sexual health clinic and they both said it sounded like herpes although didnt look like herpes. The sexual health clinic took swabs but the bumps were almost gone, the swabs came back negative though the nurse was still convinced it was herpes and gave me antiviral meds for future outbreaks. After that I have still been having constant problems down there like itching stinging and what feels like tiny paper cuts on the vulva. I went back to the sexual health clinic and she could not see anything down there and still said that what I had in September was a herpes outbreak but she took a swab anyways and suggested I have a blood test to know for sure (I'm not sure which type) the blood tests and swabs came back negative for both HSV 1 and HSV2 and I havent talked to the nurse since (I got the results over the phone). This has been a really stressful time and I'm still not certain that I dont have herpes. If anyone has any opinions on wether they think it was a false negative and that my symptoms sound like herpes please let me know as I have been going out of my mind trying to find the problem!!!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus sarah_18572

    Posted

    If you tested negative by swab and IgG after all this time, it's safe to say you don't have herpes. Bumps under the skin don't even sound like herpes.
    • sarah_18572
      sarah_18572 FelizCastus

      Posted

      The swab was taken when the bumps were almost gone and I have heard lots of stories where it was a false negative. Thats what I thought but the doctor at the sexual health clinic was persistant that it was herpes even though she couldnt see anything at the appointment and even when I tried to tell her my doubts, I just kept telling myself shes a professional she must be right. Thanks for the reply.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus sarah_18572

      Posted

      When it comes to herpes, you'd be surprised by how many doctors are wrong or not up to speed! Just reading this forum about what some doctors have said or advised is alarming. Many are still ordering the wrong blood tests (like IgM, even PCR), dispensing incorrect advice (no transmission risk without symptoms), and one even prescribed the wrong med dosage... Visual diagnoses are prone to error, and in your case, there was little to even visually diagnose!
    • sarah_18572
      sarah_18572 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Yes I have been looking up a lot about misdiagnosis of herpes and there are quite a lot of people who have similar problems to me. I just wish I hadn't have got so worked up about it for the 6 months I thought I had it, I wasn't eating or sleeping probably and I was really down to the point where my family were very worried about me though I am happy that I can put it behind me now and move on and now that I know a lot more about the virus I'm going to take extra precautions! 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.