About Lyndsay Mercier Expertise I can answer mostly any question regarding STD transmission, symptoms, and outlook.
Experience I am currently trained and certified in Sexuality Peer Education and teach an STI course at Northern Michigan University.
Organizations I am the President of a student organization known as VOX:Voices for Planned Parenthood, which is an organization focused on sexual health and reproductive freedom.
Publications I have written an article regarding teen pregnancy for www.Teenwire.com, which is due to be published on June 24th.
Education/Credentials I am currently pursuing my BS in Psychology with a double minor of Sociology and Gender Studies.
Expert: Lyndsay Mercier Date: 6/12/2008 Subject: Possible STD?
Question It has been about a week after intercouse~ there was no condom worn~ my vagina is red on the inside "lips" and up inside as well. It feels swollen, irritated & seems to have microscopic bumps~ like not just one here and there but covering the reddened area. What are some possible diseases this could be? I have looked up pictures of herpes but the pictures look much more severe than what I see on my vagina. Thank you for your response
Answer Hi Jane,
Typically STI symptoms take longer than a week to show up-if they even show up at all, but a rash and irritation could be a sign of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes. The pictures you saw online were probably very extreme cases. Herpes can show symptoms as early as 2 days after being infected. The plus side is that chlamydia and gonorrhea are both easily cured with antibiotics. Herpes, however, is not curable but quite treatable. Also keep in mind that the inner vaginal lips (labia minora) naturally have "microscopic" bumps on them which are just oil glands.
Jane, by any chance have you ever had a yeast infection? Red, swollen, irritated inner lips can be a sign of a simple yeast infection as well, which can be easily treated with some over the counter stuff. If you've never had a yeast infection before, you should check with a doctor first.
I hope that you're just having a simple case of an irritated vagina or yeast infection and not anything more serious. As always, its best to check with your doctor to know for sure.
