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.