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What are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Jacob Queen
Jacob Queen

The symptoms of genital herpes are primarily the sores that develop. Some people would describe these as blisters, and they will often appear on the genitals. Some areas where blisters may be located include the vagina, penis, and anus. The sores can also form on the testicles, outer buttocks or potentially in the mouth. During a person's initial outbreak, it is also common to experience fevers and chills.

Herpes sores generally start off as little bumps, and a person might not initially think they are that serious. After a few days, they start to enlarge and fill with liquid. It can take several weeks for the sores to eventually drain and go away. The sores themselves are extremely contagious if someone touches them. Herpes sores are known to be very painful, and some people may use pain medicines or creams to deal with that.

People with genital herpes symptoms can use medications to lessen the number of symptom outbreaks.
People with genital herpes symptoms can use medications to lessen the number of symptom outbreaks.

If someone has symptoms of genital herpes, it is generally easier for them to spread the virus during an outbreak than under normal circumstances. Using condoms and dental dams can be helpful in avoiding the spread, but the sores can actually appear in areas of the body that don’t get blocked by those devices, so most experts consider them far from foolproof. Many experts recommend absolute abstinence during an outbreak to protect sexual partners. The virus can also be spread when there are no symptoms, and many sufferers are generally unaware of this, which causes them to avoid precautions and spread the illness further.

Some people do not show any major symptoms of herpes.
Some people do not show any major symptoms of herpes.

Many people may have herpes without ever realizing it. Infected people don’t always develop symptoms of genital herpes, and this makes it easy to carry the disease without awareness. It’s also often true that people might have symptoms of genital herpes without realizing that it’s a serious issue. Some people dismiss the sores as inconsequential, and they can easily infect others without even knowing there is a risk. There are also people who have herpes and simply choose to ignore the risk.

People with symptoms of genital herpes can use medications to lessen the number of symptom outbreaks. These medications aren’t perfect, and they won’t make it impossible for someone to spread the disease, but they can make things easier for sufferers. Scientists haven’t figured out a way to cure herpes. Antibiotics are generally very effective against bacterial infections, but finding medications to thwart viruses has been much more difficult.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

@literall45-- Your last statement is very true. My first symptoms of genital herpes were not blisters. I had fever, fatigue and pain when urinating. I went int suspecting an STD and tested positive for herpes simplex type 2. I did not get blisters until many months later.

I've been able to avoid breakouts since a few years with lysine supplements, a great diet and a stress-free life. I think stress is a huge factor. Whenever I'm stressed, I get herpes symptoms.

literally45

@burcidi-- Have you ever had a cold sore on your lip? Genital herpes blisters are similar, except that they occur on the genitals. They are small, red blisters that fill with fluid, burst and scab over like the article said. It takes up to three weeks for them to heal and they tend to return periodically when there is an outbreak.

But you are right that it might not be possible to distinguish herpes blisters from others. Because genital herpes can also cause a rash or sores instead of blisters. The only sure way to know is to get a test for it. A blood test or a swab test can be done to check for HSV-1 or HSV-2.

There are also times when there are no apparent signs or symptoms of genital herpes because everyone's immune system reacts differently.

burcidi

I know that there are several different conditions that cause genital blisters or warts and they can look similar. How can I tell apart a herpes genital blister from other types?

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    • People with genital herpes symptoms can use medications to lessen the number of symptom outbreaks.
      By: Burlingham
      People with genital herpes symptoms can use medications to lessen the number of symptom outbreaks.
    • Some people do not show any major symptoms of herpes.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some people do not show any major symptoms of herpes.