I had sex for the first time at the beginning of January. We didn't use protection, because we have been together a while and we've discussed STDs and I trust him. He said he hasn't been tested in the last year or so, but he hasn't been with anyone in that time period either. He also says he's used protection with his past partners.

Since he and I became physical -- around December -- I've started shaving almost all of my pubic hair.

In the past week or so, I've noticed a few (maybe five altogether) different bumps that were all rather pimple-like. The first couple went away within two days each, never broke or popped or hurt. They were just raised and a bit red. I have a few more now, not in the same places. Again they don't hurt.

I had been attributing it to razor burn or ingrown hairs, since I've always had sensitive skin and all of them had been in the areas I shave. But now I have two that are in areas I don't (one in the hair I leave, and one on the smooth skin just below my vagina. Further, I have a small spot that's rather raw to the touch, though not raised or swollen.

I've always been a hypochondriac, so my first response was terror. I have an appointment with the doctor, but not for a week or so. Could this be something more serious, like HPV or herpes?

you could have herpes if it looks like a sore and is sensitive to the touch. any fever or urinary tract infection (burning when you pee) in the last month? i would schedule an appointment and show her the sore and do a culture on the raw one. 85% of people that have herpes don't even know it and lots don't have outbreaks. this sounds like an outbreak..just to be sure, please get it checked out. if a woman has an outbreak while giving birth, the baby can be born blind. sorry to sound so alarming, but one should always be prepared and take precautions. why didn't you?

Is everything OK? It's May now and I was wondering how you're doing.