it feels like there is a cut or two around the vaginal opening (hole). it kind of stings when i pee and sometimes itches(usually only like twice a month and if i've been out in the dry grass). the reason it feels like a cut is because it feels dry down there and when i stretch my legs apart it feels like i'm opening a cut. does anyone know what this is? thanks
- Genital herpes - Some women experience what they believe to be small cuts on their vaginal area instead of sores during a genital herpes outbreak. This being said, some women are unaware they have contracted this STD and do not try to suppress their outbreaks, leading to serious delivery complications when they give birth.
You can contract herpes a number of ways and not even realize it. Many infants contract it from their parents during delivery or even diaper changing (parents changing diapers with unwashed hands). It is easy to move oral herpes onto your genitals if you touch the sore and do not wash your hands directly after. Many younger generations contract oral herpes from innocently kissing each other and not being aware of their outbreak. It is said that roughly 80% of the United States' population has contracted herpes.
- Yeast infection - Some women experience the itching and burning sensation during a yeast infection and do not recognize that they are scratching themselves and causing these minor cuts. Often the symptoms are so mild that the woman does not experience anything out of the ordinary that they are aware of except the feeling of uncomfortable cuts on their vaginal area.
Even though a yeast infection can be treated by over-the-counter medication it is still in your best interest to see your doctor to confirm if you do indeed have one or not. Many women mis-diagnose themselves with a yeast infection when in reality it is something much more serious.
Basically, anyone can get a yeast infection. Common causes are: antibiotics, wearing tight clothing, sexual activity, using too much soap, douching, and even tampon usage. Having a yeast infection is pretty common and isn't anything to be embarrassed of.
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - Usually this bacterial infections has the same signs as a yeast infection. Common causes are basically the same as a yeast infection; however BV is much more serious than a yeast infection as it can lead to problems during pregnancy and major health problems if left untreated. It can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) that can render a woman completely infertile.
- Behcet's Syndrome - A rather serious autoimmune disorders disease. This disease's initial symptoms closely resemble the herpes outbreaks and infections. It affects the inner lining of the mouth and genitals and the small blood vessels throughout the body. Other symptoms develop years later, so it is very important that you find out just what it is that is causing your symptoms.
Behcet's disease usually affects more young women than men in the United States. It may cause arthritis, abdominal pain, fever, reddish bumps/pimples/sores on skin, swelling of veins in the leg, genital ulcers, blindness, and affect the heart or lungs and/or bowels.
We are not doctors on this site and we can't give you a for sure answer on what is going on with your body; however, we can advise you to see your regular doctor and make appointments to have some tests ran. We'd rather see you happy and healthy than suffering long-term damage because of pure ignorance.
If you are young and are nervous about explaining your problem to your guardian then you should relax. I'm sure they will find it in your best interest to see a doctor as well and may even help calm you before going for the check-up. Your parents/guardians have gone through a lot in their lifetimes and I'm sure they will understand. This sort of thing is routine for doctors, by the way, so you also should not be embarrassed about needing professional help.
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