Can Someone Tell Me If This Sounds Like Herpes?

by Anonymous

Hi I'm 20 years old. Recently I found two red sores with a white center on the inside of my lower vagina lips. They really don't hurt much just burn. I had unprotected sex on 12/11 and 12/20 it was protected with someone who I was seeing. I'm scared right now because I never had anything like this before in my life :(


Does it sound like herpes? Red sores with white center?


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Anonymous,

Do your sores look anything like the pictures from our Herpes Photos? Herpes symptoms usually manifest within 10-12 days from contact. Although there is a much greater risk of transmitting the virus during unprotected sex, there is still about a 5% chance of contracting the virus with a condom (even without the visible signs of an outbreak). It may be a gamble, but having protection is better than none at all!

The best way to know if you do have herpes is to see your family doctor and get a blood test done. Going in for a check-up during an outbreak is even better as the doctor can get samples and scrapings of your genital area to send to a lab for a viral culture.

Your doctor might even prescribe you with antiviral suppressive drugs such as Acyclovir or Valtrex which will help heal the sores quickly (assuming it is herpes).

In the meantime, research all you can about the virus while waiting for the test results. The more information you gather, the more you know what you are dealing with. If it turns out to be herpes, then it is nothing but a skin rash that can be an inconvenience from time to time. It is not fatal and it does not define you as a person.

Hang in there... remember, you are not alone in this.

Gary

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click here to post comments

Return to Herpes Advice Forum.