Vaginal Herpes

This STD affects 16.2 percent of Americans between ages 14 and 49, according to the CDC. Vaginal herpes symptoms present like this:

• Itching and swelling, usually in one or two areas of the vulva;
• Vaginal discharge, often yellowish and with an odor;
• Blisters that heal within a few days; and
• Flu-like symptoms in the days preceding an outbreak.

Some women don’t have any symptoms when they have vaginal herpes. The only way to know for sure whether you’re infected is to get an STD test.

Yeast Infections

Some women are more susceptible to yeast infections than others. Symptoms include:

• Itching and swelling throughout the vulva; and
• White, odorless vaginal discharge.

It’s rare for a yeast infection to cause blisters or flu-like symptoms, but a quick herpes test can clear up any doubts you have about whether you’ve been infected.

Risk Factors: Vaginal Herpes & Yeast Infections

Vaginal herpes can be spread through sex (oral, anal or vaginal), especially if it’s unprotected. Further, a person without symptoms or an active outbreak can pass the virus to a partner.

Yeast infections can be triggered by taking certain antibiotics, wearing wet swimwear too long, experiencing elevated stress levels and more.

Signs and Symptoms of STDs: Vaginal Lesions

When vaginal lesions appear, it could indicate a sexually transmitted disease. Two common STDs - genital herpes and syphilis - can cause vaginal lesions.

What to do When Vaginal Lesions Appear

If you notice vaginal lesions, it is important to seek STD testing. Since many STDs cause similar looking bumps, sores, or lesions, only testing can determine the cause of symptoms. Once vaginal lesions are accurately diagnosed, proper treatment can be rendered.

Private STD Testing

If you have vaginal lesions and may have contracted an STD, test for herpes, syphilis, and other STDs in total privacy. Confidential STD testing is available for herpes and syphilis through lab testing. Our on-staff physicians can also provide free, confidential medical advice, and if necessary, prescribe medication to treat genital herpes. To learn more about how private STD testing works, at home STD testing options, or to order a herpes test or syphilis test, click here.

Signs and Symptoms of STDs: Jock Itch

Genital herpes can often be mistaken for jock itch in men. One in six sexually active adults has genital herpes, yet 90% are aware of their status since symptoms may be vague and mimic other less serious conditions such as jock it.

When Jock Itch is Actually Genital Herpes

Both jock itch and genital herpes cause red, painful, itchy skin with bumps or blisters around the genitals, groin, or thighs. A herpes outbreak can be mild causing many men to confuse it with jock itch. The only way to differentiate between jock itch and genital herpes is through STD testing.

Private STD Testing

If you're experiencing symptoms similar to jock itch and are at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, test for genital herpes and other STDs confidentially at a local lab or through at-home STD testing. Our on-staff physicians are available to answer questions and even prescribe medication to treat herpes outbreaks. To learn more about how private STD testing works or to order a genital herpes test or test for a variety of other STDs, click here.