Sigh...this is so upsetting...

[Tarnished]

my husband and I decided to start swinging a few years ago. I don't feel that we are disgusting people. It's just something we decided to do together and we've been happy with it. Until now. We've been with a few people, but not totally active outside our marriage. Anyway, I have had a terrible "yeast" infection for about 4 weeks. It just doesn't want to go away. I'm scared. My anal hole hurts too. I've tried multiple medications and nothing will make it better. I know this is gross... but I spread my butt cheeks in front of a mirror today and I think I see little blisters inside. Maybe that's my imagination. I'm not completely familiar with what the inside of an anal canal looks like, so I could be wrong and seeing things. I'm terrified. I haven't been tested yet. I plan to though. Does this sound like a herpes infection to you? Probably, huh?

[Caliope]

If you have blisters and you are experiencing a yeast type infection that won't go away you may be dealing with herpes.

The best time to get a swab test is when there are new blisters or sores present. The advantage to this if the virus is present during the test is you can get an accurate result and know which virus it is within a short period of time right after an initial exposure. The downside is if you wait too long there won't be any virus on the surface to culture.

You can also get a herpeselect blood test that will tell you if you have contracted the virus. The difficult part is that if your infection is new, as in less than 8 weeks, then the blood test could show a "false" negative result. The test detects antibodies and it takes 8-16 weeks for most people's immune system to develop enough to be detected in the test.

I think you need to see your dr right away as this could be something else as well. There are many different sti's that can cause these types of symptoms.

If it is herpes your dr can prescribe antiviral meds which will help with the symptoms.

[Tarnished]

Thanks. I have been tested for Chlamydia, Ghonnorhea and the other stuff. I'm ok there. Is it common to have blisters inside the anal hole? Have you ever heard of that?

[Tarnished]

ok, I know I am responding to myself. I'm now almost 5 weeks in with this "yeast infection". This new cream is not working and Im almost done with it. I get tested on Monday. I can't imagine that it will be negative.

[Caliope]

when most people think they have genital herpes they don't realize how the virus operates. This explanation might simplify your understanding a little.

Herpes Simplex Virus (hsv) infects the skin and then it makes a beeline for your nervous system. In the first few days or weeks it can, but doesn't always, cause symptoms that feel very much like the flu which can leave you with swollen lymph nodes, pain, headaches, tiredness, sore lower body, blisters, rashes, burning sensations or yeast like symptoms, itching etc. once it takes up residence in the nervous system it can use the nerves to travel to anywhere in the "boxer shorts area" and many sufferers report having it show up around the anus even if they never participate in anal sex.

Most std/sti panels administered by dr's do not include tests for hsv or hiv. These tests need to be requested and most dr's require a signed consent form to perform them.

It is important that you ask for a type specific hsv panel. A common one is the Herpeselect and the important part of the test is the IgG result.