i have a few bumps at the opening of and just inside my vagina, at the back. I noticed itching 3 days ago, and though it was thrush, as i have just finished antibiotics for pyelonephritis. but since yester day the bumps have become quite painful and the area is red (although this may just be because of scratching). it sounds like herpes, but i have had only oral sex in the last year. i'm going to the doctor in 2 days, but do you know what it could be? thanks.
I am glad to help you. Answers are intended to provide general medical information only.
Usually with herpes there will not be the urge to scratch.
The itching stage is very minor and most women do not feel intense enough itching to want to scratch it.
Yeast on the other hand can cause quite intense itching with the urge to scratch. And given that a course of antibiotics has just been completed, this would be the most likely cause.
ok, thats good!
Yeast/thrush would also cause redness.
i've had thrush before but it was never painful - is that normal?
Oh yes, it can get quite painful, especially if there has been scratching.
The first thing to try in this situation would be an over-the-counter yeast medication.
Applying col plain yogurt would also provide quite comfort until the medication can work.
oh ok. thank you very much! i'll do that.
It would also be fine to use Oragel, a topical anesthetic normally used for tooth pain to numb the sore spots until the yeast medication could work.
you've definitely put me at ease!
If there is no improvement in 2 days, seeking care would be wise.
Anything else?
nope that's it - thanks!