Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: March 17, 2005
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 16 years old and sexually active. In the past I was diagnosed with chlamydia and PID. However, when I first lost my virginity at 13, as well as when I was diagnosed with chlamydia, I started to have pimple like bumps appear on my outer lips and in my pubic hair, but it would only be one or two. This had occurred since then, and now I have a bump on my left inner lip. They seem like hairbumps that swell and get pus in them, and once I pop them they have a clear liquid come out of them and they take a while to heal. I am afraid that I may have herpes and I am scared to talk to my previous sexual partner about it. I have scheduled an appointment but I'm afraid that it may be too late since this has been happening for 3 years. If there is any information about symptoms or what you think this is, please answer ASAP!!!! THANKS!!!!
Signed: Afraid I May Have Herpes
Dear Afraid I May Have Herpes,
Unfortunately, TeenHealthFX cannot diagnose you over the Internet - only a doctor can do that, so it's good that you have made an appointment to see one. In general, any changes, bumps, pains, or lesions that you notice in your genital region should be checked out by a doctor as soon as you notice them, since you're going to want to have properly functioning sexual organs later on in life and it's important to get diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
In general, herpes tends to produce painful blister-like lesions that appear and then heal over the course of a couple of weeks. There are other things that can cause bumps in the genital region, including things like ingrown hairs, irritation caused by soaps or lotions or even clogged glands. And, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) other than herpes can also cause bumps. Other symptoms of STDs include:
- Bumps, sores or warts near the mouth, anus, penis or vagina
- Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina
- Skin rash
- Painful urination
- Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats
- Aches, pains, fever, and chills
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Discharge from the penis or vagina (Vaginal discharge may smell bad.)
- Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period
- Painful sex
- Severe itching near the penis or vagina
In general, even though it can be sort of uncomfortable, it's a good idea for you to talk to your sexual partners about their sexual histories, including any STDs they may have had or any questionable genital symptoms, like rashes or discharges, they may have experienced. Remember, that many STDs including herpes can be passed to a sexual partner with out having any symptoms - so if you have herpes, your past partner may have passed it to you without knowing.
Even if it turns out that the bumps you've found are simply an irritation of some sort, in the future, you really need to remember to practice safer sex and protect yourself. Good luck.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use, and male high school students are more likely than female students to rarely or never wear seat belts.
