About 4 days ago I noticed some itching down there, and I didn't think much of it until it started bothering me more. Then I examined myself and noticed tiny red openings. I immediately feared it was herpes outbreak so I went to my gyno. He examined me and said it was prob just yeast infection causing the slits. Then the day afterwards the slit got longer, and I think I see these shallow vesicles by them. I cant be sure. I went to another gyno for a 2nd opinion and he said that I have tricho, and he said he doesn't see the slit when its RIGHT THERE. I have slight discomfort when urinating (the spot is right on top of urethral opening) and some vulval pain and itchy. pls tell me your diagnosis.  Thank you.

Medication : Doctors prescribed Diflucan, and Metrogel

Self_help tried: soaking in water, taking vitamins and trying to boost immunity

-Single Female, 23, USA

You need some simple bedside investigations like vaginal wet mounts in KOH – for hyphae, as well as trichomonas and smear from urethral opening and vaginal orifice for multinucleated giant cells , a clue for herpes..

I'm a 23 years old guy that recently had unprotected sex with my girlfriend. now I see little white itchy granulations on my penis, and all of my body is suffering from tiring and pain, without any reason. what's the problem? and what shall i do to make it better?

-Single Male, 23, Iran

The way you described – it shows that you are suffering from Balanoposthitis. The other problems like tiring and pains ,are probably due to somatisation [psychological origin] Please wash your penis with plain water &then apply clotrimazole ointment and take one pill of fluconazole 150 mg only once .since you have taken risk by not using condoms please go for blood tests after 12 weeks.

There is a really strong smell coming from my vagina It is really horrible and i can smell it through my clothes, my vagina feels as if it is swollen and when i am having sex the penis will either not fit in or keeps coming out and i never enjoy sex or have an orgasm. i get really embarrassed about this and am to embarrassed to go to the doctor. can u help me?

-Female, 18, Single, Ireland

The possibilities are either yeast infection or trichomonad infection or bacterial vaginosis. To establish the diagnosis you need to see your doctor who will examine and take some lab. tests. Till then, you can try clotrimazole vaginal pessaries and one dose of 150 mg oral fluconazole Don’t take douche or bubble baths.

My wife has gone to the Obgyn and has has her checkups regularly, everything seems to be alright, the only problem is when I ejaculate inside her, she says it stings. The discomfort lasts for 5 minutes. We've told 1 obgyn this and he said that it should go away. It hasn't gone away in 10 years. She doesn't have any signs of infection. I've had my semen tested and everything is ok. Only time this didn't occur is while being pregnant. Thanks for your advice in advance

-Male, married, 32, USA

As your doctor pointed out, it is a disease /infection .It is a nuisance & it happens in some couples, .the only way to treat you { couple } is asking your wife to use vaginal cream in clitoris and reassuring her that this is a condition not a disease and asking her to divert her attention during coitus so that she will not get that stinging sensation during ejaculation

Sir, I have a concern. I think I am paranoid but I will feel better hearing it if that is the case. In March 2001, I met with an x boyfriend. He performed oral sex on me, but I did not on him. Also, I have never had sexual intercourse with anyone and I don't use any kind of drugs. Actually, I am a health freak. Anyway, afterwards U regretted what we had did. I know him well b/c we are still good friends and I know that he has engaged in risky behaviors before. He has had unprotected sex probably with more than one girl so I know he is at risk for HIV. 2 weeks later (i think) I got sick for about 5 days with a fever (for only the first day) and headache and dizziness. After 5 days I was ok. 2 months later I began dating someone new. After about 10 months of dating we decided to get tested. WE both came out negative for HIV. I didn't sleep with him either, just mutual oral sex for both of us. Anyhow, I watch these programs on HIV and they really scare me. The test I was given to test for HIV was not a blood test. IT was done at a clinic and was a test where we had to rub the inside of our cheek and gums.

IS THIS AN ACCURATE TEST?

I have no had any other symptoms but I know they don't come for like 10 years, but I am still worried at times. I am in a monogamous relationship with someone now. Do you think I should be tested again or am I just worrying??

Also, can HIV be transmitted through sharing a belly ring? I shared a belly ring, after both of our holes were healed and not bleeding with a friend of mine. I don't remember if I sterilized the ring???

PLEASE HELP

-Male, single, 25, USA

The buccal test which your doctor preferred is almost 90% accurate, . you can go for Elisa or spot tests , which can be done on your blood .Regarding belly rings, it is a sterilized lining & absolutely no problem. If not, you know pretty well that H.I.V is transmitted from one person to another through blood and sexual secretions, hence it is better to go for blood tests after 12 weeks. Since you say that the holes are healed, well! the chances are zero. Yet, to get rid of your apprehensions you better undergo blood tests, if it comes negative, then forget about this and relax & have a nice time.