Help— I may be paranoid but do I have an STI?
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basically the depression medication I am on makes me really paranoid so I could be totally over reacting..
but here it goes
my current boyfriend and I started having sex in December before we were officially dating. We always used protection. A few days after he was "sick" with some virus because his throat was swollen, doctors said he could be contagious. Long story short he got better.
However, (here comes my paranoia) we go to different colleges in different states, so we werent seeing each other.
when i came back for spring break we saw each other and of course had sex. His throat once again started to hurt-- and is still bothering him. I haven't seen him in almost a month and he's been to a general doctors twice who said its probably another virus. his glands are now just swollen and no pain.
however, my vagina has been really itching since the last time we had sex. I thought it was due to yeast infection, but now i have sores and idk if its from my constant itching or an STI. I didn't even think to consider it until his mom asked if I ever had mono in my life because my bf could catch it. (I havent) but then i started worrying it was my fault he constantly is sick with a sore throat.
But lets say if I was clean before I started having sex with him, he passed it to me through us having unprotected sex once (because he had unprotected sex once a few years ago, we havent done it again because I was paranoid). The I got it from that. And so the next time when he went down(catching it) and then kissed me after, shouldnt my throat hurt too?
My parents are SUPER religious and would freak out even if I got a yeast infection due to silk underwear. I could never tell them I need to go to a gyno for any reason, especially because Ive had sex. Tothere is a 90% chance I would be kicked out. I dont know where to go to be checked and what their prices are without insurance because its not ever advertised.
I know that I should start going because I have started being sexually active... so if anyone has any advice about this, and especially if I could have given my boyfriend something.
I have provided pictures because I dont know if this is normal...
0 likes, 1 reply
david911 iLoveMusic123
Posted
The rashes/bumps on and around your vagina are not necessarily indicative of an STI. There's a few things to keep in mind when trying to figure out what might be the culprit.
How do you perform your vaginal care? Do you use a chemical (such as feminine wash or soap)? How often do you bathe? How tightly or loosely do you often dress? Then, there comes the sexual behaviour.
In order to maintain the natural pH balance (between 3.8 and 4.5) of your vagina, it is not advisable to use these chemicals as they could offset this balance, affect the natural biome of the vagina, and consequently make it favourable for the growth of harmful microbes. Wash your vagina thoroughly with warm water only while ensuring to use your fingers to make the wash more effective. Bathe before you leave the house for the day and before you go to bed. Wear clean and breathable underwear and use pantiliners.
Try to avoid unprotected sex because you have no control over whom your partner has sex with and whether he uses protection. That way your mind would be at rest, especially when situations such as the one you're currently dealing with arise.
You mentioned that your boyfriend has had repeatedly swollen upper lymph nodes. This is indicative of some type of infection, especially of viral nature. Has he had himself checked out? He should not hope for the swelling to resolve on its own each time because the repeated occurrence means there is a serious infection going on that should not be ignored.
Try to find out if you could make an appointment with your doctor as a possible sexual infection could be considered an emergency. Good luck.