Genital herpes infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 572,000 new genital herpes infections are recorded in a single year in the US. The patients’ demographics are typically in the age group of 14-49 years old.
Categorically, herpes has two common types: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). In this article, we will mainly discuss HSV-2 or genital herpes in detail.
Genital herpes can cause sores or blisters in or around the genitals because of an infection with the herpes simplex virus or HSV. It is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can spread through intimate sexual contact with an infected partner.
After exposure to HSV, the virus initially lies dormant without showing any symptoms. However, it can reactivate several times annually, wherein symptoms such as pain and itchiness in your private area start building up. If you are infected, and don’t have visible sores, you can still be contagious.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Typically, herpes infection only shows mild signs. That is why most patients do not know that they already have the virus until symptoms worsen. The virus has a two to 12 days window after an individual has caught the virus before symptoms appear.
Genital herpes symptoms for men and women include:
- Itching and genital pain. Tenderness and pain in your genital area are common indicators of herpes infection.
- Tiny red bumps or white blisters. Pinkish to reddish bumps and white blisters may appear a few days or weeks after catching the virus.
- Ulcers. When blisters rupture, bleed or ooze, ulcer formation will happen, which can make peeing painful.
- Scabs. As ulcers heal, the skin will start to crust over and form scabs.
- Fever, headache, and flu-like symptoms. During an initial infection with herpes, you may experience symptoms similar to the flu.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin. You may start to notice a swelling in your groin, making it appear more prominent than usual
- Muscle aches. You may feel a deep, constant muscle ache near your genital area.
Genital Herpes Symptoms In Women
Genital herpes is more common in women than men. Women who have contracted herpes may have no outbreaks or any signs of infection until a few days or weeks after exposure.
Herpes-infected females may experience painful sores, blisters, and ulcers in these specific parts of their genitals:
- Vaginal or anal area
- Mouth
- Cervix
- Urinary tract
- Buttocks or thighs
Genital Herpes Symptoms In Men
For men, herpes can likewise cause painful sores due to some lumps and bumps that can develop in the following parts of your reproductive area:
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Penile shaft
- Urinary tract
Herpes outbreaks are uncomfortable for everyone. Repeated outbreaks are typically shorter and less painful . Most herpes patients experience fewer outbreaks over time, and some stop exhibiting symptoms altogether. Check herpes drugs at borderfreehealth.com