What to do next

[Worriedandfrustrated]

After having rough(ish) sex for a weekend with a new partner, I woke up with what I thought was a tear in my labia (and no other symptoms). I was worried and went and had my doctor swab it and they somehow messed up the swab. So no I have no results. It cleared up within 3 days.

Can you give me your opinion of if this looks worrisome and what next steps I should take (further testing, abstaining from sex until I find out more)?

[Worriedandfrustrated]

I forgot to add that upon examination the doctor did not think it was herpes.

[Terri Warren]

I am concerned about how that looks, no question. It could be some kind of tear from rough sex, but there are a couple of areas on that picture that concern me for possible herpes. If your doctor didn’t think it looked like herpes, why did they do the swab for herpes? When did all of this happen? Have you ever had an antibody test for herpes in the past?

Terri

[Worriedandfrustrated]

I already had the appointment scheduled and asked her to do the swab because I was worried. I didn’t have any burning or itching with it and because it was a line, she thought it looked like a cut (maybe even from shaving). She said if she thought it was herpes she would have treated me just in case and she didn’t.

I had sex with the new partner 2 weeks ago for the first time that I’ve had sex in 6 months and I was sore afterward. He said he’s never had any signs or symptoms. We had more sex las weekend (Firday and Saturday morning)which is when this showed up (Sunday morning).

I had an antibody test done 5 years ago and was negative for both. I’m not sure the exact results.

[Worriedandfrustrated]

I should clarify, the first that I looked at it was Sunday so that’s when I noticed the tear. It could have been there longer but I’m not sure.

[Terri Warren]

If you were my patient, I probably would have swab tested this for herpes, just to be sure. You’ve had a new partner recently, a break in the skin, and I’m quite cautious as I know that herpes can look like many things. Also if you were my patient, I would recommend that you both get antibody tests to know your herpes status before you become more involved, especially given this, but your doctor may look at that differently.

This was your final post on this thread. If you have more questions, feel free to renew.

Terri

[Worriedandfrustrated]

Thank you for your help!

[Terri Warren]

You’re most welcome.

Terri

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