Signs of Herpes - Is This Herpes Symptoms?

Have you noticed strange lesions in your genital area? Or sores around your mouth? You just might be suffering from the signs of herpes. Herpes comes in two different forms. The first is Herpes Simplex Type 1, oral herpes that reveals itself in cold sores. Then there's Herpes Simplex Type 2, otherwise known as genital herpes. Although genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, oral herpes can be transmitted to the mouth when it comes to oral sex.

But really, how do you know for sure if these unpleasant sores are actually symptoms of herpes, or something else? Often, especially in women, genital herpes is misdiagnosed as a yeast infection, boils, or pelvic inflammatory disease, so it's a good idea to read up on the disease if you're unsure of your diagnosis. See a doctor, who can accurately test for and identify herpes. But what are some of the signs of herpes?

The most common symptom of the disease is red bumps or blisters. They can show up in all sorts of places in or near the genital areas, such as thighs, buttons, anus, and near the urethra. What's worse, women can develop blisters inside their vaginas. They might experience vaginal discharge, and urinating could be painful.

A first outbreak in women might last about three weeks, on average, and in men the average is two weeks. Women need to be aware that they could develop meningitis, a direct result of the first herpes outbreak. Other symptoms of an outbreak of genital herpes include swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, headaches, muscle aches, fever, and lower back pain. Consult your doctor if you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, such as sores in your genital area.

Unfortunately, recurring outbreaks are common. About four in five people can expect more herpes outbreaks. However, there will usually be warning signs. The most obvious will be pain or discomfort in the areas that may develop sores. Remember, even without the sores, you're very contagious at this stage!