Herpes in the genital area is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. People contract the herpes virus through sexual intercourse and may not know it for several days, as the virus remains dormant until activation. Herpes outbreaks can happen several times a year.

Currently, there is no cure for genital herpes but medication can reduce the discomfort of the symptoms. Since the virus can only be spread during an outbreak, keeping outbreaks at a minimum can reduce the risk of infecting other people.

 

What to Look for in Genital Herpes

The most obvious herpes symptoms are pain, itching, and sores around the genital area. These symptoms can be mild and worsen with time.

Herpes symptoms may begin two days after sexual contact has been made and an infection has been contracted, but some people may only experience herpes symptoms 12 days later. It depends on how long it remains dormant in the body.

It’s important to know that even if herpes symptoms are not present, it can still be contagious. That’s why if you believe you’ve contracted the virus, but don’t have any symptoms, you should refrain from engaging in any sexual relations.

 

An In-Depth Look Into the Symptoms

The following provides additional information about herpes symptoms.

 

Pain and Itching

Most people report pain and/or itching in their genital area. This pain/itching can be uncomfortable to the point of needing to treat it with a cold compress, warm or cool bath, or applying anti-itch cream. While these treatments can ease the symptoms, the pain and itching usually return shortly afterward.

 

Red Bumps or White Blisters (Herpes Rash)

This is easier seen on a man’s penis versus a woman’s genital area. It looks like a dry rash on the skin. A herpes skin rash can swell and become very red when itched as if it’s inflamed.

This herpes symptom may appear after the initial pain and itching.  Many people believe they are over the outbreak and then these red bumps and white blisters appear.

 

Ulcers

Ulcers do not happen all the time, but when they do, people know it. Urination can be very painful because of the blisters. After a day or so, the blisters may rupture and pus or blood may ooze out of it.

Genital herpes is highly contagious when the blisters rupture. Be very careful not to engage in sexual intercourse at this time because infecting your partner is highly likely.

 

Scabs

The bumps, blisters, and ulcers may turn into scabs. They will become dry, and they can itch for some people. Do not itch the scabs, as that can open up the wounds and prolong healing. It can also lead to infecting someone with the virus.

 

Flu-Like Symptoms

One of the most surprising herpes symptoms is feeling like you’re suffering from the flu. Swollen lymph nodes are common in the groin along with a headache, muscle aches, and fever. Many people start with these symptoms thinking they are just sick with a cold or flu, and then the outbreak happens in the genitals, which leads them to suspect herpes.

 

Sores

Sores are how the virus spreads. The sores do not have to touch the genitals of someone else to infect that person. If the sores are touched by someone and then that person rubs his eyes or rubs the part of the hand that touched the sore somewhere on his body, it can lead to infection. Women infected with herpes may have sores on their buttocks, thighs, anus, mouth or urethra. Men can develop sores in all of those places, including their penis and scrotum.

 

Recurrent Outbreaks

The initial outbreak is usually the hardest and most intense. Outbreaks after the initial one may be milder with just slight burning, tingling, and itching where the infection entered the body. Some people experience pain in the legs, lower back, and buttocks.

Recurrent outbreaks happen less often over time. Most people with this STD no longer have outbreaks after a few years, so they go on to having healthy and safe sex lives.

 

What to Do If You Have the Above Herpes Symptoms？

If you’re suffering from the above herpes symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for STD testing. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat the virus to ease symptoms and keep your partner safe from also contracting herpes.