Seeking Guidance on Vaginal Discomfort
I am a 33-year-old female who has recently entered a new relationship after an extended period of abstinence. This past Sunday, my partner and I engaged in rough sexual activity that lasted sporadically for around twelve hours. Since then, I've experienced significant soreness and swelling in my vaginal area. However, within the last two days, my symptoms have dramatically worsened. I've noticed the emergence of bumps that have now turned into open sores, accompanied by a yellowish-brown and pink discharge, an unpleasant odor, and excruciating pain that makes urination nearly unbearable. I have a suspicion that my partner might have transitioned from anal to vaginal intercourse, raising my concern about a possible infection, yet the sores are particularly alarming and exceedingly painful. Could this potentially be a sexually transmitted infection? I have done a bit of research, but I still have not reached a definitive conclusion. I am contemplating a visit to the emergency room but am uncertain if my concerns might be considered an overreaction. For context, I am 5 feet 5 inches tall, weigh 265 pounds, and have a history of Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr virus.
Answers (1)

8/8/2025, 10:40:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about significant vaginal discomfort, especially after recent sexual activity. Your symptoms—soreness, swelling, bumps that turned into open sores, unusual discharge, and pain during urination—require immediate attention. These signs can indicate an infection, including the possibility of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Explanation
After engaging in prolonged and rough sexual activity, injuries or irritations can occur, which might lead to infections. The presence of open sores and unusual discharge is particularly concerning as they could signal an STI or another type of serious infection, such as a bacterial or yeast infection.
Next Steps
-
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, particularly the open sores and excruciating pain, it's crucial to visit an emergency room or urgent care center as soon as possible. This is not an overreaction; your health is important, and timely evaluation is essential.
-
Avoid Further Irritation: Until you receive care, try to avoid any further sexual activity or irritation to the area. This will help prevent worsening your symptoms.
-
Track Your Symptoms: Make a note of all your symptoms, including when they started and any changes. This information will be helpful for healthcare providers.
-
Reassure Yourself: It’s natural to worry about the implications of your symptoms. Remember that many infections can be diagnosed and treated effectively, so getting appropriate care is your best course of action.
Take care, and I hope you find relief and answers soon. If you have more questions or need support, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Concerns About Possible Exposure to Brain-Eating Amoeba
Three days ago, while using a garden hose, I realized that I hadn't cleared out the warm water that had been sitting there for about a month. A small amount of this water accidentally sprayed into my face and made contact with the area near the entrance of my nose. My worry is that this water could potentially contain a brain-eating amoeba. Although I have not exhibited any symptoms yet, I can't shake the fear that this exposure might have been sufficient to cause an infection.
Concerning Symptoms: Autoimmune Disease and Profuse Sweating
I'm a 31-year-old female, weighing 180 pounds and standing at 6 feet tall. Since 2021, I've been taking Adderall at a dosage of 30 mg twice daily and sertraline at 100 mg each day, which I began last October. My medical history includes ADHD, anxiety, thyroid nodules, and Raynaud's phenomenon. In October 2023, my physician discovered thyroid nodules during an examination. After conducting blood tests, all results came back within normal parameters, except the complete blood count (CBC) showed that my mean platelet volume (MPV) was low at 7.8. I underwent an ultrasound and a fine needle aspiration, both of which confirmed that the nodules are benign. A subsequent ultrasound last year indicated no change, maintaining the classification of "TIRADS 3," necessitating a follow-up in two years. In August 2025, I sought medical advice for excessive sweating localized to my face and scalp, which began a year before I started sertraline. This symptom has not improved and may be exacerbated by the medication. My doctor has switched me to Prozac to determine if this would alleviate the issue, with a follow-up scheduled for next month. Additionally, I've noted a worsening of my Raynaud's condition along with persistent joint discomfort that arose in early June. My feet tend to ache in the mornings, making walking difficult, and I've started experiencing a bluish discoloration in my fingers instead of the typical white, which has led me to wear gloves indoors even while reading. Over the last few months, I have also encountered significant fatigue. Given my family history of rheumatoid arthritis and the recent discovery of the thyroid nodules, my doctor has requested another round of blood tests to investigate potential autoimmune issues. The retested results maintain a consistent profile compared to two years ago, with the MPV still noted at 7.8. The rheumatoid factor fell within a normal range, measuring less than 13. However, my ANA test returned positive, which is classified as "abnormal," and the FANA analysis was speckled with a titer of 1:1280. Is a titer of 1:1280 indicative of an autoimmune disorder? If so, could it point towards lupus? Additionally, is excessive sweating a known symptom of lupus?
Growing Freckle on My Foot – Should I Worry?
Age 26, female - During my pregnancy back in 2023, I noticed a new freckle on the underside of my left foot. I had a freckle there for as long as I can remember, and I initially thought that I had simply overlooked this new appearance. I mention my pregnancy because I experienced severe itching due to cholestasis, a condition my doctors assured me could lead to skin issues. While I believed this didn't typically result in visible rashes, the extreme irritation made me more conscious of changes on my skin, including this freckle. Fast forward more than two years, and amidst other health concerns, I realized that this freckle has grown significantly. It wasn't until I compared a picture from when it first showed up to its current state that I truly understood the extent of the change. The freckle is now asymmetrical, features a dark ring around it, and has grown to nearly the size of an eraser. I'm reaching out to see if I ought to be worried about this change. I have already contacted my primary care physician but I can't shake the feeling that I might be overreacting because of my existing health issues. Could there be a possibility that this seemingly enlarging freckle isn't a cause for alarm?
Concerns About My Spine: X-Ray Insights
I'm a 42-year-old female from Canada, facing health challenges such as osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, and multiple digestive disorders. Approximately six weeks ago, I experienced an unexplained injury to my back. Initially, the discomfort was localized in my left latissimus dorsi but has progressively radiated to my right side and now extends down my upper spine. After consulting a colleague of my doctor, I received advice to engage in stretching, utilize a foam roller, and apply both ice and heat. She prescribed baclofen, which I have been taking twice daily at a dosage of 10mg, alongside 600mg of ibuprofen. Unfortunately, Tylenol has proven ineffective for my pain. Recently, I had an appointment with my family physician. She noted that my back feels “full of knots” and expressed concern regarding the discomfort radiating through my spine. She strongly suggested that I see a massage therapist or an osteopath and ordered an x-ray for further insight. Additionally, she replaced my medication with naproxen and flexeril, but I have yet to find relief from these treatments. I am sharing an image of my x-ray, as I do not have access to the side view or the official report. My doctor has informed me that she will reach out next week, but I'm curious to know if this single image offers any indications about my spine. Thank you for any insights you might have!
Neck and Lower Back Issues Experienced by a Navy Security Officer
Late last year, I found myself engrossed in my role as a harbor security officer for the navy, where my responsibilities often include spending extensive hours piloting a boat, sometimes encountering quite turbulent waters. One fateful day, we landed hard after riding a wave, and an intense pain shot through the right side of my neck and the lower section of my back on the left. Despite my consultations with medical professionals, I have not found any effective solutions to my discomfort. At night, the burning sensation in my neck intensifies when I try to sleep, and throughout the day, I endure a persistent pressure in my back. Frankly, I am at my wits' end with this situation.