I have been with a new partner for about 6 months but he has been tested and is clean. I have noticed the last few months some extensive vaginal itching/redness/red bumps/discomfort. The bumps are usually inside the labia but never 'open or scab.' It is mostly just red. I thought I had contracted herpes from this guy about 3 years ago(i have had these symptoms on and off for the last couple of years). I have noticed that after sex I tend to get itchy and a tingingly sensation. I have been tested numerous times since then (for herpes) and the tests always came back negative. I have had 3 blood tests and 2 swap tests. I most recently went to the nurse practioner because I still felt like something was wrong. She said I showed no signs of herpes or anything else but I asked her if she would do a blood test anyway. She believed it was just a yeast infection. I was tested for EVERYTHING! HSV I and II, HIV, Hepatitis...everything. She called me and told me everything came back negative. My question is I still don't feel right. Could this be something else? Could I still have herpes even though all the tests came back negative? Should I get a second opinion? Am I totally overreacting? What are the chances of having 4 tests come back negative? Help!

Good Morning Curious,

Welcome to our message boards.
No. You're not overreacting. It sounds like you want to know what's causing your symptoms. That's completely normal.

There are any number of things that could be causing you those symptoms but the 4 negative herpes tests are pretty indicative that it's not herpes. Were those antibody tests?

You didn't mention whether or not you were using condoms. If so, have you thought about it being an allergic reaction to the latex? It could also just be irritation simply from the friction of sex.

If you're not getting any relief, there's nothing wrong with calling your doctor and asking more questions. If you're not getting anywhere, it might be worth checking with another doctor about why you're experiencing your symptoms.

I hope this helps,
Dharma

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ASHA Moderator

I went through Tstd and got tested again for herpes. It came back negative. Yay! I just wanted to see how accurate is the herpeselect blood test? If I was infected over 3 years ago would it still show up on the tests? Let me know! Thanks!

Hi curious,

HerpesSelect is a reliable test, and antibodies to the virus would still show years later. The issue with herpes test re: time is if it's done too quickly after exposure,antibodies may not have developed in detectable quantities yet. So, it's generally recommended to wait 12-16 weeks after an exposure to have the serology (blood test).

Hope this helps.

Best,
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator

Thanks for your reply. This morning in the shower I noticed a red pimple sized bump on my labia. It hurts when I press on it. I am so confused. I thought after the blood test came back clear that I don't have herpes. It could be a pimple but I am worried its not. I am going to try to go to the clinic today and have it looked at.