Sorry this is a bit of a long post, but I think I might have herpes. I’d really appreciate some feedback on my symptoms and photos.
BACK STORY:
So last Friday (31 August) I had unprotected sex with two men: my boyfriend and his friend.
This is the second time I have had sex with both - the first time was in May and my boyfriend was STI tested in July with negative results.
I wasn’t STI tested at the time, but I had only slept with these two men since last being STI tested and I took it that if my boyfriend was fine, I would be too.
My boyfriend’s friend wasn’t STI tested at the time either (or since), but again assumed if my boyfriend didn’t have anything then he wouldn’t either.
Since then, me and my boyfriend have continued to have unprotected sex. I have had no symptoms of an STI prior to now.
THIS TIME:
Friday: I had unprotected sex with both men - my boyfriend first, his friend and then my boyfriend again.
At times, the sex with both was a little bit rough and hard, and at one point I don’t think I was as wet as I usually am when one of them entered me.
Saturday: I woke up with my vagina feeling very swollen, including the inner and outer labia, which was uncomfortable, and also with some foul smelling discharge (not particularly fishy, but definitely unpleasant). The discharge was grey-white-clear to look at, but when wiped with a tissue, it looked slightly yellow. I assumed this was just because of having slightly rough intercourse several times and having around 4 loads of cum ejaculated inside me. I also looked up the symptoms and thought it was more BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) related than anything else.
Sunday: I had pretty much the same symptoms as Saturday. The pain was becoming increasingly worse (I took a couple of painkillers at one point) even when sitting or walking, but just presumed this was down to being swollen. It was also now stinging when I urinated (very painful) but again put it down to how red and swollen my vagina was.
Monday: First thing in the morning, I thought I better take a better look. So I pulled my vagina lips apart to show the inside of my vagina. Pulling apart my vagina lips and touching the area was extremely painful. The below picture is from Monday morning.
By this point, I was starting to become more concerned and googled STI’s and further causes. I was intending to go to the pharmacy on Monday and see if I could get something to treat BV, but after taking this photo I was was worried it was something more serious so decided against it.
Tuesday: The same symptoms as the day before. Discharge was becoming less foul smelling (I was hoping this was just because all of the cum would have been secreted by now). Below is a photo from Tuesday evening, as the look of the sore/ulcer is different (apologies for the slightly unclear image).
Wednesday: Pretty much the same symptoms as Tuesday, however the pain and swelling had lessened. Walking and sitting were more comfortable, it was only when wiping and peeing that it hurt and stung. No updated photo from Wednesday, but I had booked an appointment at an STI clinic on Thursday evening.
Thursday: The below photos were both taken on Thursday morning.
Unfortunately due to an accident on the motorway, I missed my appointment at the sexual health clinic by 10 minutes and they refused to see me (I understand why from their perspective but it was so frustrating!). Symptoms about the same as Wednesday.
Friday: Symptoms are continuing to improve. Redness and swelling has greatly reduced. Little discharge and smell. Updated picture below.
Saturday: I was busy and didn’t have a chance to get a new photo or check symptoms visually. Overall though I felt symptoms were improving. Slightly uncomfortable to pee, but no stinging.
Sunday/Today: Redness and swelling has completely gone. No discharge or foul smell. Slightly uncomfortable when peeing, but very minor. However I have noticed that my sores have almost healed. Most recent image below.
MY DILEMMA: I have been researching STIs all of this week, and I don’t feel my symptoms or sores fit completely into the Herpes category - but I’m asking here as I’m no expect.
Obviously my sores have started to heal now, and I have no symptoms. I know that the best way to test for Herpes is to take a swab of the sore (which is why I tried going on Thursday).
So now I’m unsure what to do - go to the clinic and have a routine check anyway even without the sores or not?