Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 which is transmitted through sexual contacts with an infected person who does not necessarily have any symptoms of the infection. Besides that in some people (about 20%) who are infected with HSV-2 genital herpes symptoms never occur but despite that they still might infect other people.

After unprotected sexual contacts with an HSV-2 infected person first symptoms usually occur within 7 days. First symptoms of HSV-2 infection are feeling unwell, raised body temperature and clusters of blisters resembling cold sores on the outer genital area. Prior the occurrence of blisters the infected person usually feels itching and pain on the genital area, and in some cases might also occur swollen or enlarged glands. However, in some people do not occur any symptoms of HSV-2 infection or are very mild.

In women herpes blisters occur on the vulva - pubis, clitoris, labia, buttocks or anus and in men on the penis, buttocks or anus. Besides the upsetting appearance herpes blisters are often painful, itching and burning. Besides itchy, painful or burning blisters other symptoms of genital herpes sometimes also include discharge from the vagina or penis, muscle pain, fever, while some women also experience painful urination. After a while blisters progress into ulcers and then crust and disappear.

Since there is no cure for HSV-2 and the virus remains in the body for life over one half of HSV-2 infected people experience occasional reoccurrence of genital herpes symptoms. Reoccurrence is usually triggered by stress, menstruation, sun exposure, fever, and some diseases and illnesses that weaken the immune system. Prior reoccurrence of blisters usually appear itching, tingling, burning or pain on the genital area which is followed by redness and swelling. After several days form clusters of blisters or sores which eventually progress into ulcers and than crust. However, reactivation of genital herpes does not always result the same symptoms, while the severity varies from person to person and from reoccurrence to reoccurrence. Some people have before the outbreak of blisters raised body temperature, cold intolerance and headache. The severity of reoccurrence of genital herpes symptoms usually gradually decreases and after certain period (usually several years) the frequency of outbreaks declines and in some cases outbreaks of genital herpes cease.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

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