Sexual health PLEASE HELP

[HystericalMe]

I am very upset and in pain.
I've discovered something which I think is herpes. I don't know much about STIs though but this is my guess based on internet research.

I went to a GUM clinic after work yesterday and they took some swabs.

I was so so embarassed and worried.
They weren't sure what it was.

But today I think it is obvious to me that it is getting worse and it must be herpes or similar. I can hardly think of going to work as it hurts and worse, and yet I don't want to take a day off.

I'm practically hysterical and called my GP but they just gave me a list of clinics to visit.
I've booked an appointment with my nurse but that will be on Friday.

I've been to one GUM clinic and have to wait 2 weeks for the results.
can I get something over the counter? Should I miss work to go to another clinic? I feel really ashamed... The only person I can talk to about it is my boyfriend, and I don't even know if I got it from him or if I had it before!?

Any advice please.

you can get it if your partner has a cold sore, he doesn't need to have genital herpes himself.

it may not even be herpes but it if is, it can be medicated but may flare up occasionally. normally the first flare is the worst so try not to get too upset.

aloe vera applied topically can really help.

oh and cold wet tea bags on the sores... milk supposed to be good too and a bath with baking soda.

Oh thanks so much. I should try to get some Aloe Vera then.

It sounds like herpes to me. You need to go back to GUM - could your boyfriend go with you? If it's progressed, which it sounds like it has, it should be instantly recognisable to someone experienced. Usually they will give you an antiviral such as acyclovir and painkillers and often suggest you let them sign you off work. And abstain until you know you are all clear!

I know I'm being stupid but, is there a risk of transferring them onto my fingers or onto my son?

How old is your son? Are you pregnant?

Fingers - no - they affect mucous membranes.

Son is 3. No not pregnant but now sad in case want to get pregnant in next few yrs it will be a risk that I have caused.

It looks like there are no walk in clinics tomorrow so will have to go to work and wait for the next day.

(That is an Ow! face, I am very grateful for GUM clinics right now)

THere are two types of herpes. Herpes Simlex 1 and 2. Type 1 is the cold sore vius and type 2 is the nastier kind. You can still get pregnant with HSV. If you have an outbreak when in labour then you can pass it on.

If you are in pain and it hurts to urinate then sit on the toilet backwards or just wee when in the bath.

www.herpes.com.au/
www.herpes.com/

SOme people only have the initial outbreak and then nothing ever again. Others have it a lot and are on medication for life. You will not know until they test. MAke sure they test which one you have.

I did lots of research on this for a paper for uni.

Oh and you can have it for years without symptoms. And I think it is still 1 in 7 people have it. Most dont even know.

But its not just urination that hurts!!!!!

No, but he had a coldsore once. I don't know if its been active recently.

The nurse at the clinic thought it was a cut from shaving! But now there are itchy bumps, around the vulva and anus, periniuim and labia and even my mouth feels funny. I can feel it more than see it. Which is maybe why a nurse with rubber gloves didn't think it was anything. Plus its getting worse.

Yes open sores

You need to try really hard to calm down. If it is herpes, it's aggravated by stress and you will get attacks more frequently.

Aciclovir cream is available over the counter if you can't get seen yet.

Look after yourself as if you have flu, try to rest, fluids etc.

And there's tons of helpful info here

HowsTheSerenity - they've taken a swab for a test - will I still be able to ask if it's simlex 1 or 2?

Are you saying simlex 1 only occurs once?

Thank you. I have been crying my eyes out, imagining herpes gone wild.

This has been reassuring.

I will go to bed now and get up and go to work tomorrow.

Will having a period make this worse?

I'm now trying to keep it dry.