Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Women's health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Genital herpes or something else?

6 replies

andtreescomeabout · 16/10/2021 17:26

I'm so embarrassed that I'm even having to write this to be honest...

I split with my DP of 4 years earlier this year and had a casual relationship with a man for the last month or so. I am pretty sensible when it comes to practicing safe sex and made sure we were both clear of STIs before we started sleeping together, however, I have since become aware that herpes is not tested for on a regular check as you must be displaying symptoms to test positive and blood tests can be largely inaccurate.

We last slept together a week ago today. The very next day I was experiencing a foul smelling discharge and there was a little spotting too. The spotting has gone away but the discharge remained. I also had some irritation around the vagina entrance but this has cleared completely so think it was as a result of a lot of sex tbh.

I put this down to potential BV and for the last 3 days have been using OTC gels to treat it and the smell does seem to be shifting. My only concern is the following:

On Tuesday I noticed a few little twinges in the vagina area, but I am very health anxious and I feel like my brain could be playing tricks on me tbh seeing as I had read this is a symptom of the start of herpes. I have had no spots or any sores crop up on the vagina since then but 2 days ago experienced some soreness in my bum, again I'm not sure if this was just overwiping or a totally different issue but I began to worry. I then noticed one tiny spot on the edge of my bum crack area but this has basically faded away after a day so I'm not overly concerned.

Today my left vagina lip, like the skin on it just feels a bit sensitive. Again, not sure if the BV gel could have irritated it as it was a bit messy applying last night? But I'm now of course worried again.

I can't go to a clinic to be checked as I have no open sores for them to swab. I am really praying it is nothing and that my brain is in overdrive. I have none of the typical flu like symptoms. I do have a bit of a cough and cold atm but no aching or headaches etc. From what I have read online herpes is extremely itchy as well and I haven't had this either? Spotting in a yellow/watery discharge also doesn't seem to be very common with it? I have also sent off a home test kit for Chlamydia and gonorrea so should receive those results early next week.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? It's such a horrible waiting game, like I'm constantly checking if any spots have appeared and it's just making me feel low. I have btw just started CBT for my health related anxiety which I'm hoping will help in the future! It's safe to say I won't be going near a man for a long time!!!

OP posts:
gotalovemesomeseahshells · 18/10/2021 06:55

Hi op I wouldn't say you got herpes at all I had them and I was covered , I was in agony and my bits were covered in sores I could even sit down . Also severe flu symptoms and swollen glands in groin x

Peanutmnm · 18/10/2021 06:57

Nah, just sounds like irritation from actually having a sex life😂

bookworm1982 · 18/10/2021 14:45

I really couldn't tell you want it is, but rest assured, it is not herpes.Grin

VioletRose91 · 03/11/2021 01:48

Personally I’d say go to the gum clinic, they can repeat your swabs and check the bv has gone. I honestly don’t think that you have herpes but If your having a smelly discharge after sex I’d still get it checked for peace of mind, they can swab for trich that home tests don’t include similar to bv but needs antibiotics and they don’t test men for it.

CtrlU · 03/11/2021 01:55

Did you use a condom?

Sounds like you need a check up at the clinic honestly.

I love a rough sex session but have never experienced twinges near my anus/ vagina or vulva. You may feel a little sensitive the day after or so but I’m unsure why you would have spotting and unusual discharge unless there was something wrong

JinglingHellsBells · 03/11/2021 17:23

It's a little while now since you posted @andtreescomeaboutDoes practising safe sex mean who used a condom every single time? Or are you just relying on his word that he was tested and clear?

If you didn't use a condom, it could be any one of the main STIs.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page