Brief Answer: may be due to trauma Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Herpes can present slightly differently in differently persons but in general it starts are an area that feels uncomfortable or painful. This then progresses to a rash. The rash normally has the appearance of a small water filled bumps or vesicles. These vesicles then open up to form small superficial ulcers. Each stage is normally uncomfortable. Swelling can occur in herpes infection but it also occurs as a result of any process that inflames or irritates the vaginal area. This would include trauma such as from intercourse or any other type of infection or allergic reaction. If you notice the other indicators of herpes (rash which becomes ulcers) then it is possible that the swelling is due to herpes but if there are no other signs it reduces the chance that you have herpes. The swelling may then be due to the trauma from intercourse. Allergic reactions normally occur with a few hours of contact with the particular allergen. If you only used the monistat a month ago and not since that time, it is not likely the cause of your current swelling. If it was used recently (within the past 24 to 36 hours), then it is possible You can consider sitz baths to reduce the swelling and any discomfort. This would involve sitting in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes , 2 to 3 times a day. You can add one of the following to the water: salt, epsom salts, witch XXXXXXX The use of one of the following anti inflammatory pain killers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, cataflam, naproxen would also help to reduce the inflammation. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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Brief Answer: does not sound like herpes Detailed Answer: HI The bumps seen in herpes are normally water filled painful bumps that become superficial ulcers. It is understandable to be concerned but if none of the lesions have turned into superficial ulcers and still present after a month, it is unlikely to be herpes. An acute herpes infection does not usually last that long and it is not associated with itching. Though some persons may have herpes and not have the typical symptoms or have no symptoms at all, the symptoms that you are describing are not in keeping with what is normally seen. Though this present infection does not sound herpetic, the only way to determine if you have ever been exposed to this virus would be the have the test done when you are able to see your doctor. This involves a blood test. Because it does sound like a yeast infection and the monistat is not working for you , you may want to try another agent such as canesten, vagistat,zazole. There is also treatment regimens for women who have repeated vaginal yeast infections. Please feel free to ask any other queries

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Brief Answer: ok Detailed Answer: HI No problem, if you have any additional concerns related to this or any thing else, feel free to ask

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