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What Causes Soreness And Redness In The Vaginal Area?

Posted on Sat, 24 Dec 2016

Question: Three years I have been battling the same symptoms. Red, sore vagina and anus, pain in my lower back that goes all the way down into my foot and causes my foot to go completely numb. I have been to my gynecologist countless times. No sores or lesions are ever present. Have came back negative for yeast, bv, and other STDs. I did however come back positive for HSV1, but experience oral cold sores once a year. I was told it could be due to hormones and they are just out of ideas. I have switched detergents, clothing, and feminine products and no help. I do notice the symptoms appear a week before or after my period. do you think this could be herpes, but I have never had a ulcer or blister? or do you think this sounds like something else?

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Premenstrual pathology

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Vaginal soreness and redness and the pain in lower back seems to be unrelated.
Vaginal symptoms are mostly due to infection or irritation to some object like soap, clothing. It doesn't seems to be herpes as there are no vesicles or lesions, moreover herpes do not cause such prolonged symptoms.
Since you notice the symptoms around the periods, it is most likely due to hormones like progesterone which can cause severe premenstrual symptoms in terms of backache and vaginal pain.
I will suggest you to start oral contraceptive pills which are the effective treatment to treat the premenstrual symptoms.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (10 minutes later)

Thank you so much for your reply! Do you think the external burning and sometimes tingling sensation can be caused by the hormones as well? Also, does HSV only show on blood test if you have it on your private area, or will your typical cold sore show a positive for hsv1? I'm asking because I was told a positive will only show if it's located on your lady parts, even though I have oral cold sores. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to hormones

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Burning can be due to hormonal changes leading to vaginal mucosal changes. HSV will be positive only if the blisters or sores are present in the vaginal area.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (2 hours later)

I want to clarify that you are telling me that if blood is drawn from my arm and comes back positive for hsv1 antibodies it can only mean I am infected on my vagina and that it cannot come back positive from having hsv1 on my lip which I have had for 7 years? I have blood tests and have shown positive for hsv1 antibodies but my doctor said it was useless because I develop cold sores on my mouth and that the sores on my lip could be the reason for a positive hsv1 blood test.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Positive HSV 1 can be present in oral lesions

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
HSV 1 can occur on either mouth or in vagina.
The test from it can be positive when it is present at either location.
HSV 2 is more specific for vagina, and is indicative of genital herpes.
So, positive HSV 1 is not a sign of genital herpes, if oral lesions are present.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar