[Question #4112] Follow up question regarding STD risk
82 months ago
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Hello,
I asked a question almost 2 months ago, Question #3876.
(I'd post the link, but the site doesn't provide links)
As a follow-up, it has now been almost 3 months since my exposure and I have not seen any symptoms.
However my question isn't about me, it's about my girlfriend, who as of a month and a half to 2 months ago has had itching around her vulva. She has no other symptoms, though a recent visit to a gyno suggested there might be a very tiny bit of discharge... almost imperceptible as we didn't notice any.
I am wondering if this is suggestive of an std that she may have caught from my (as mentioned, dumb) activities? The itching sometimes wakes her up at night, and though in the past she may have had the occasional bit of itchiness that was all normal... this seems perhaps more concerning.
Many thanks, and I realize I may be over-analyzing the situation.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
82 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. I was able to review your earlier interchange with Dr. Handsfield and I agree with all that he said. Vulvar itching in women is a particularly non-specific problem with many causes, STDs been among the LEAST frequent. Vaginal yeast infections are a frequent cause but I anticipate if that was the problem your partner's GYN would have detected it. Trichamonas can occasionally cause this as well but seems unlikely given your history. Non-STI causes of vulvar itch include excessive dryness or a local reaction related to a change in soap or other irritant exposure.
My guess is that her GYN may not appreciate just how troublesome your partner's itch is. In the absence of other obvious causes I would suggest a trial of a vaginal yeast cream. If that is not successful she should return to the GYN for further evaluation. I would not however be worried that this is an STI.
I hope that this comment is helpful.
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82 months ago
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Thank you for the response.
I suppose my main concern is that I have gonorrhea, chlamydia, or perhaps even trichomoniasis without knowing it and have passed it on. The gyno did a pap smear and test for yeast infection, though the results aren't back yet.
With regards to chlamydia and gonorrhea, is it possible that itching can be the only symptom, and that that symptom stays as such for over a month?
Many thanks!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
82 months ago
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It would be most unusual for vulvar itching to be the only symptom for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia or even trich. As I said earlier, I think your partner needs to look for other causes for her symptoms. EWH---