Genital Herpes and Its Symptoms

Genital Herpes Treatment

The symptoms of genital herpes usually start with tenderness, itching, or even pain in the genital area. They can be accompanied by headache and fever.

As for males, blisters appear on the penis. As for females, blisters come up on the area surrounding the vagina, and in the cervix. Beside this, the blisters could be found on the buttocks and thighs. After a while, blisters erupt and form painful sores which will remain for 1-3 weeks.

These are not the only symptoms one may get. Among others, there could be a burning sensation or pain during urination. In females, there may be a clear mucus-like discharge from the vagina or urethra (opening for urine). The same is possible in males: a clear mucus-like discharge from the tip of the penis. In addition to this, there may be swollen glands in the groin area.

Herpes virus is indicated as HSV (Herpes simplex virus). There are HSV1 and HSV2; the last one is the genital herpes virus. It acts in a much way the same as HSV1 (which produces cold sores), i.e. after an initial herpes outbreak of genital blisters, the virus (HSV2) also remains dormant in nearby nerves and can start acting again later in life. The symptoms of reactivated virus which causes genital herpes, are like those of first outbreak of HSV1, by they are less severe in general. But in different people the virus may be acting differently. The outbreaks may be more frequent or more severe in different people.

79% of people will experience general symptoms during the first outbreak, which include: fever to 102 degrees, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

We have to add something here. Actually, in the past, it was the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), which was the cause of genital herpes. In other words, it was the only cause genital herpes. But now, new genital herpes infections are equally caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) and the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2). The majority of people who are going to get a primary outbreak will have it between 3 days to 2 weeks after exposure.

First genital herpes outbreak in females

The chance to get infected with HSV2 is four times higher in women than in men. And also the disease is more severe and more complicated in females than in males.

If a herpes outbreak will happen in woman on the cervix or vagina and not externally, the vaginal discharge may develop, as well as burning with urination or pelvic pain. Some women may have a 2nd round of blisters or ulcers in the second week with the first outbreak.

How long does the first genital herpes outbreak last?

We mentioned already how long sores will remain and how frequent the outbreaks may be. So, now about the first genital herpes infection - it usually lasts 2-3 weeks, but skin pain can stay for 1 to 6 weeks. After the blisters dry out and erupt, they (crusts) fall off and the area is not contagious anymore.

Genital Herpes Symptoms - Identifying Herpes in Men and Its Initial Outbreak

Identifying genital herpes symptoms in men could be rather tricky for the untrained eye - especially the initial herpes outbreak - due to individual uniqueness and the stage in which the virus is identified. Research has shown herpes to lie dormant from human birth only to emerge later in life with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. For this reason, if you suspect the presence of herpes, it is recommended that you get tested immediately. Genital herpes symptoms are not always typical and it is only through clinical testing, that other sexually transmitted diseases can be ruled out. Furthermore, testing for STDs will rule out other viruses or infections which may produce symptoms that appear to be similar to genital herpes. Once the presence of herpes virus is detected, it never goes away. There is no known cure for this infection, and immediate medication must be prescribed to control and treat the initial herpes outbreak. After that, the use of medication is totally up to you, but studies have shown prescription drugs (with side-effects) and natural/herbal medication to reduce breakouts and prevent recurrences. Here are some of the most common genital herpes symptoms in men:

• Painful clusters of red bumps in the infected area


• Unusual swelling, itching, or a tingling sensation in the genital area


• Swollen lymph nodes


• Painful urination


• Fatigue with fever and headache


• Fever blisters or cold sores on the mouth and additional sores on or around the penile area

Genital herpes symptoms are atypical and may not occur right away, typically amongst individuals born with the virus. For men born with the virus, identification is hard to accomplish until the latter stages of progression. The early warning signs in men usually go unnoticed or they are dismissed as symptoms of other STDs. In most cases, the genital herpes symptoms occur in men, after the virus has already invaded their system. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV type 2 is the one that most common form of genital herpes. You can get HSV-2, from sexual contact with anyone who has genital herpes. HSV-1 is the form of the herpes virus that is responsible for cold sores on or around mouth, also known as "fever blisters." Cold sores have similar symptoms as the initial genital herpes outbreaks. However, cold sores are a form of HSV-1 and should not be confused with genital herpes. Identifying herpes early could help reduce the pain associated with the herpes initial outbreak. If you are unable to identify the virus at first glance you should visit your local health clinic as soon as possible. Once treated with medication, healing time could take anywhere from 72 hours to 2 weeks depending on the severity. However, the initial outbreak is the longest and most painful, but there are ways to reduce outbreaks and send it into remission. Do keep in mind, there is no cure and the herpes virus can reoccur at any time. Symptoms may appear briefly and then disappear. Your best defense is being proactive with natural medications that don't put further stress on the body. Genital herpes is a disease that will lie dormant in your cells, but it will be a lifetime issue.

What You Need To Know About HSV 1 Symptoms In Men

If you're a man and you find yourself infected with HSV 1, most likely you'll have cold sores on your lips and inside your mouth. They're easily visible by their physical appearance. Usually, they're swollen and red. You may have one blister or a cluster of sores. When the blisters break and ooze fluid, they'll heal on their own. This is clearly indicated by the formation of a scab after a few days.

Not every man with herpes simplex virus will show symptoms. Yet, they can be contagious especially during the outbreaks which usually last up to ten days.

Each time you've fever blisters, the herpes viruses usually follow the same route to the skin. For example, if you've sores on your lips before, you should experience the sores appearing on the same spot the next time.

However, there are times when the sores surface on other areas besides your lip. Herpes viruses usually reside in the same nerve ganglion, which covers your lip, mouth, nose and chin. This explains why they attack other locations.

So, what are the HSV 1 symptoms in men? If this is your first outbreak, you may experience the following flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headache, and muscle pain. You also may find yourself having bad breath.

Not all men will have the blisters during their first-time viral episode. However, if you've sores, it'll be painful. Thus, you find it hard to eat or drink. Sometimes, sleeping can be a problem too. You also need to be careful not to infect other areas of your body.

Usually the first herpes outbreak is more severe than the recurrent ones. However, some unlucky men do experience more severe cold sore symptoms in the recurring episodes.

You should know by now that once you're infected, the HSV 1 will remain in your body all the time. They retreat to the nerve ganglion and remain inactive until something triggers them. This means that in the future, it will come out from its dormancy and attack you again. Generally, you will have lesser number of outbreaks as you grow older.

When you experience subsequent outbreaks, you will know it is coming because you can feel the first herpes symptoms. Tingling, burning, and an itching sensation are some of them. You should pay attention to these symptoms as most men don't bother about them. In the next 48 hours or less, the sores will develop. This is known as the prodromal stage.

The affected skin area will become tender, numb, and red. You should see a few small blisters filled with fluid appearing on the skin. They may merge and become one huge sore, causing pain and discomfort. Sometimes, during the recurrent outbreaks, your glands become swollen.

Over time, you'll learn to identify the prodromal symptoms. They're important because this is the best time to apply treatment. Furthermore, this is the beginning of the contagious period because the herpes simplex virus is now active, and ready for infection. Most men fail to prevent the spread of the virus. So, take all the precautions you need to ensure that you don't pass on the virus to the people around you.

What Are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Symptoms of genital herpes, or type 2 herpes simplex, manifest with a broad spectrum. Minor infections may produce no symptoms at all, while severe primary infections can cause systemic flu-like illness.

Itching and pain accompany the initial process as the infected area becomes red and swollen. The infected area is usually the point of contact, or where the virus enters the body. A blister then appears, which later develops into a group of vesicles (small, fluid filled sacs), that eventually ulcerates or turn into sores. These sores then encrust or form scabs, and then heal without leaving any scars. Each blister or ulcer is typically only 1 to 3 millimeters (1/32 inch to 1/8th inch) in size.

Fever and flu-like symptoms of genital herpes may occur 3-4 days after the lesions appear. This includes swollen lymph nodes in the groin, a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness, headache, aching muscles, and pain on urination. Pain is evident during the first week and then decreases. The lesions subside in about two weeks unless secondary infection occurs.

In women, the labia are the usual primary site, although the cervix, vagina, and the area surrounding the anus may be affected. In men, the tip of the penis, foreskin, or penile shaft is typically affected. Severe infections can eventually cause extensive damage to the vaginal or anal canal.

In most people, the virus can become active and cause outbreaks several times a year. Typically, symptoms of genital herpes recurrence manifest as a feeling of burning, tingling, or itching about twenty four hours before the vesicles appear. People diagnosed with a first episode of genital herpes can expect to have several (typically four or five) outbreaks (symptomatic recurrences) within a year. Over time these recurrences usually decrease in frequency.

Various factors may trigger outbreaks including stress, menstruation, immune system suppression (from medications such as steroids or chemotherapy, or due to infections, such as HIV/AIDS), illness, surgery, friction (such as that caused by vigorous sexual intercourse), and fatigue.

Often, people don't recognize their first or subsequent outbreaks. People who have mild or no symptoms at all may not think they are infected with herpes. It is possible that a person becomes aware of the "first episode" years after the infection is acquired. They can still transmit the virus to others, however.

In some cases, the infection can be active and contagious even when lesions aren't present. During these times, small amounts of the virus may be shed at or near places of the first infection, in fluids from the mouth, penis, or vagina, or from barely noticeable sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding. Asymptomatic shedding is an important factor in the spread of herpes.

The Spread of Herpes - How Contagious is This Disease?

Doctors agree that the best way to avoid the spread of herpes is to be educated on how it is transmitted. Taking the time to learn about herpes and how it is passed from one person to another is the best way to protect yourself and your partner.

When thinking about how is herpes spread, remember that there are two main types of the disease. Type 1, known as HSV-1, is most commonly the cause of the oral version, often called fever blisters or cold sores. Type 2, known as HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. Both oral and genital are spread in similar ways and both are very contagious.

It is important to keep in mind that the spread of herpes happens very easily. Because the virus is transmitted through physical contact, any skin to skin contact can potentially be an opportunity to pass on the virus.

Herpes stays in the body for life, even though the symptoms may come and go. When the symptoms are present, it is called a "herpes outbreak". Many people make the mistake of assuming they cannot pass the virus on to their partner if they are not experiencing an outbreak. However, this is not the case. The virus is still there even if the person who has it is not exhibiting any symptoms. You are certainly most susceptible to catching the virus if the infected person has active symptoms, but even so, you should always be concerned about the spread of herpes. Always take precautions to protect yourself from getting the virus, or if you already have it then to keep your partner from becoming infected.

So, how is herpes spread? In addition to skin contact, it is passed on through oral sex or through vaginal or anal sex. There is some risk of spreading herpes through kissing, but this is less likely if neither partner has an open sore or lesion.

Moist areas of the body, such as the mouth, throat, eyes and genitals, are most easily infected. If your skin is cut, chaffed or burned then these areas are at higher risk of contracting the virus. Keep in mind also that the spread of herpes is not limited to one part of the body. It can be transmitted to other parts of the body, such as from your genitals to your fingers and then from your fingers to other parts of your body.

While the spread of herpes is common with skin on skin contact, it very unlikely that you would catch herpes from inanimate objects such as swimming pools, bathtubs, damp towels or toilet seats. If you focus on protecting yourself when you are in physical contact with others, then you have a very good chance of avoiding the herpes virus.

Genital Herpes Symptoms In Women

Genital herpes symptoms in women are an unfortunate fact of life in our society today. Men too are infected, but more so women; 1 out of 5 women in the 14-49 age group and 1 out of 9 men according to the Center For Disease Control. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and cure for genital herpes.

The Cause

Medical science shows it is a tiny particle, a virus, that is but one member of a large herpes "society". Chicken pox and shingles are normal afflictions caused by the herpes viruses. The one producing genital herpes is much like (at times identical) to the virus causing the common cold sores most people get on their lips. But when herpes affect the genitals, the sufferer has frequently (but not always) contracted the virus in a unique way: by sexually intimate contact with another infected herpes victim.

Three to seven days after exposure to herpes, the infected one notices a fiery or tingling experience in the genital area; the herald of painful,, fluid-filled lesions. The sores produce their torment for two to six weeks before clearing up. But herpes don't just go away. Doctors make clear it simply beats a retreat, through the nerve pathways, to nerve clusters at the bottom of the spine. There it remains dormant until something (such as stress) precipitates a reactivation of the virus. Awakened, it travels the nerve pathways back to the skin and begins the misery cycle yet another time.

Perhaps the most treacherous end result of herpes is upon the sufferer's emotions. Observes Dr. Oscar Gillespie: The major aggravation with herpes isn't so much in the virus itself, but in the ways its presence can provoke fears, doubts and disruptions in day-to-day living. As told by one victim: It's very complicated to describe the feelings of anger, guilt, and loss of control that you sense when you have herpes. It's something that I believe only a fellow herpes victim could share and appreciate. Yet such emotional turmoil basically prolongs the cycle of the disease, often by triggering additional recurrences.

Why Called Incurable

Why doesn't the body's immune system simply destroy the dangerous herpes virus? Doctors reply that herpes outsmarts such a fate by attaching itself to a cell, piercing its outer membrane and secluding itself therein. Safely inside, it all of a sudden commandeers control of the cell mutating it into a outright herpes factory! From 80,000 to 120,000 new viruses are created within 3 to 5 hours. The cell wall then breaks open, facilitating an army of dangerous particles to populate the bloodstream and infect yet other cells.

You can thus comprehend why doctors explain that herpes is so tough to kill. A cure would in some way have to identify only the infected cells to kill the virus. In other words it would have to kill infected cells without destroying healthy ones. Little wonder that medical science is thus far confounded.

Recent reports that herpes vaccines are being tested give a promising ray of hope perhaps. But while such an ounce of prevention could help millions, what about those already infected?

Genital Herpes Symptoms in Men and Women

Understanding Sings and Symptoms of Herpes and Herpes Outbreaks

A Summary of Herpes Symptoms:

• An extremely common STD (sexually transmitted disease)


• Can afflict the genitals (aka genital herpes) or mouth (aka oral herpes)


• Can spread easily with or without showing any symptoms


• Herpes symptoms can be treated


• Methods do exist for reducing your risk of contracting herpes

STD's are extremely common. However, it is possible to protect yourself, and other people, from STD's such as herpes. Becoming more knowledgeable about herpes represents a vital 1st step.

Below are many of the most frequent questions we get asked about herpes. Hopefully, the answers will be useful to you, irrespective of whether you believe you might have herpes, whether you are a diagnosed sufferer, or just doing research.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Many sufferers of genital herpes display no symptoms, have extremely minor symptoms (which they don't notice), or display symptoms, but fail to recognize them as such. The most frequent symptom of herpes is a group of blistery sores --- normally on the vulva, vagina, penis, cervix, anus or buttocks. Symptoms might last a few weeks, then vanish. They might come back in years, months or weeks.

The initial occasion when symptoms of genital herpes present themselves is named "initial herpes", or "first episode". Normally, the symptoms of initial herpes are more pronounced than subsequent outbreaks.

You should always get tested if you are engaging in sexual activity with a new partner, even if you are not experiencing any initial signs of herpes.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes Outbreak Might Include:

• A burning sensation if urine contacts sores


• Blisters


• Itching


• Difficulties urinating if serious swelling of sores obstructs the urethra


• Pain in infected areas


• Open sores

Herpes Symptoms May Also Include:

• Tender, swollen glands in the area of the pelvis, armpits and throat


• Chills


• Fever


• Feeling generally run down


• Migraines


• Flu like, achy feelings

Symptoms of initial herpes will appear from two to twenty days following infection. However, it might be years before you notice the 1st symptoms.

Normally, initial herpes sores heal in roughly two to four weeks. Although, the virus remains in the body, so it can reappear and produce sores again. Generally, subsequent symptoms heal in ten to fourteen days. Symptoms of herpes might be longer lasting and more painful in men or women who have illnesses which disrupt the immune system --- such as HIV and leukemia.

Symptoms of Oral Herpes

Once a person contracts oral herpes, "fever blisters" or "cold sores" can appear on their lips, or round their mouth. Also, these sores might appear inside their mouth, although this only occurs (normally) the initial time that the symptoms of oral herpes present themselves. Symptoms might last for several weeks, then disappear. They might reappear in years, months or weeks. Usually, they are irritating, but harmless in adults and children. Nonetheless, cold sores could be harmful to newborn babies.

HIV and Herpes

If you are an HIV or herpes sufferer, it is vital to practice safe sex. Studies indicate that every sexually transmitted infection can further the risk of catching HIV. Those suffering from genital herpes have a minimum of double the risk of catching HIV, if they are exposed to it, compared to people who don't suffer from genital herpes. Sufferers of both genital herpes and HIV have more chance of passing HIV onto their partner, compared to those who don't have genital herpes.

Herpes Symptoms

Herpes, both genital and oral is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. There are two strains of this virus, HSV-1 AND HSV-2. HSV-1 is known to cause oral Herpes, while genital herpes is caused by the HSV-2 virus.

The common symptom for these two diseases is the appearance of blisters and sores on the body; the difference lies on the part of the body they appear. In case of oral herpes, they appear on the lips, in and on the mouth. In genital Herpes, the sores appear on the genital area--inside the vagina or on the cervix in the women and on the penis in the males, as also in the urinary tract of both men and women.

Herpes lesions first appear as small red burns then mature into blisters that later become sores. After a few weeks, these sores dry up and heal without scaling.

The first attack of the Herpes virus is called the primary episode. The symptoms appear within two to ten days of the infection and last for about two to three weeks. The first most noticeable symptom of the disease is the itching that the infected person feels when the sores appear. In case of oral herpes, the gums become red and swollen, and in some cases, the tongues develop a white coating.

Other symptoms of oral herpes include fever, muscle ache, difficulty eating, and feeling of irritability. It is important to remember that both oral herpes and genital herpes are infectious diseases.

In both variants of the disease, in most cases, there are no visible symptoms, or even when there are sores and blisters, people generally don't identify them with herpes. Therefore, infected people unintentionally transfer the disease through physical contact- be it touching, kissing, or sexual activity.