Ok, so here's the deal. I'm a 20 year-old college female. Back in April, I was having some gynocological problems and didn't know what was wrong with me. Everything was hurting, and when I say hurting, I mean I couldn't walk! I noticed that I had 2 bumps near my vaginal opening and I figured they were razor bumps (because I shave) and they didn't hurt but everything else did. So I went to the campus clinic and the lady there took a look at me and said that it looks like herpes zoster. She took a closer look and then said it looks like genital herpes. So as I'm crying my eyes out because it hurt soooo bad for her to touch down there, she took a few cultures and sent it off the lab. A week later it came back positive for herpes simplex virus type 1. The whole time she was explaining everything to me, she kept saying genital herpes. I did a little research myself because I don't have insurance to go get a 2cd opinion but I found out that HSV-1 is cold sores and fever blisters and it's associated with shingles and chicken pox. And I've had only one "outbreak" since then because of being stressed. So, my question is is it shingles or is it herpes? Because I've looked at a ton of disgusting pictures of genital herpes and shingles and my sores didn't look anything like those! So if someone could help me out, it would really help.

Im just browsing and trying to help people out with things that I have had and this is not one of them,1st off I'm male so I can't have a female problem like you.The reson I'm posting is I've read so many story's and it all boils down to no one has insurance or heath care,very depressing to say the least.Im from Canada and our heath care is FREE,thank Canada and god.I just went threw surgery for prostate cancer and it dident cost me a dime,my meds I pay for but surgery like this could bankrupt people easealy.Im so sorry I can't help you but is there a free clinique you can go to to get help?Good luck ,I hope every thing works out for you, it would be nice if a few people would post to help you out,I'm sure you'll get your answer soon.:)

Well, I would go to a free clinic and ask them but the thing is if you're getting tested for stds, they don't test for herpes without slapping you in the face with a hefty lab fee. When I went to the campus clinic, she told me that it would only cost like $50 or $60 and when I went to go pay for it they gave me the bill and it was $164.04!! My jaw dropped to the floor. So, about insurance, I very seriously think that I might become a citizen of Canada! :)

I have had shingles before,but never herpes. I can tell you that the pain from shingles is by far the worst pain I have ever experienced. I had it over the left quadrant of my face/scalp. I have heard of it being there and on your torso/back. I'm not sure about in/around your vagina though. I wish I had a better response,I hope you feel better! Either way you seem to be in a lot of disomfort... is there anyway you can go to the er? That's how I found out I had shingles,went to the er.

OP, I wish we could give you a definite answer, but we can't. It's impossible to give someone a diagnosis over the internet. We can't do tests, we can't take a look, nothing. Only a doctor can give you a diagnosis, everything we say would only be a guess.

If it is herpes, or shingles for that matter, then you need medical care. I know that it's expensive in the States, I thank my lucky stars that the health care in Canada is free, but his is your life, your health. I don't know what options you have, but you need to seek medical attention to find out exactly what's going on.

I'm sorry that we cannot be of further help, I hope that you find the answers you need and get the medical help that you need as well.

Good luck.