Genital herpes stands as one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that around 572,000 new cases of genital herpes emerge each year in the U.S., predominantly affecting individuals aged 14-49 years.
Herpes is categorized into two distinct types: HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). This blog post will concentrate mainly on HSV-2, the virus responsible for genital herpes.
Genital herpes results in sores or blisters in or around the genital region, caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This STI is typically spread through intimate sexual contact with an infected person.
Once a person contracts HSV, the virus can lie dormant without immediate symptoms. However, it may reactivate several times a year, causing symptoms like pain and itching in the genital area. Even without visible sores, individuals can still be contagious.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Herpes infections often manifest with mild symptoms, leading many affected individuals to remain unaware of their illness until the symptoms escalate. Typically, symptoms will materialize two to twelve days after exposure to the virus.
Common symptoms of genital herpes for both men and women include:
- Itching and genital discomfort: Itching or tenderness in the genital region is a common sign of herpes infection.
- Small red bumps or white blisters: Reddish bumps and white blisters can appear a few days or weeks post-infection.
- Ulcers: Blisters that burst, bleed, or ooze can develop into ulcers, complicating urination due to pain.
- Scabs: As ulcers heal, they form scabs during the recovery process.
- Fever, headache, and flu-like symptoms: Initial herpes infections may bring about flu-like symptoms.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin: The groin may exhibit noticeable swelling.
- Muscle aches: Persistent muscle aches in the genital area may occur.
Genital Herpes Symptoms in Women
Women are more commonly affected by genital herpes than men. Female carriers might not exhibit any symptoms or have outbreaks until a few days or weeks after initial exposure.
Symptoms in women with herpes may include painful sores, blisters, and ulcers in the following genital areas:
- Vaginal or anal area
- Mouth
- Cervix
- Urinary tract
- Buttocks or thighs
Genital Herpes Symptoms in Men
For men, genital herpes can lead to painful sores, as well as lumps and bumps in the following areas of the reproductive system:
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Penile shaft
- Urinary tract
Herpes outbreaks can be quite distressing for everyone. Recurring outbreaks tend to be shorter and less severe. Many individuals with herpes experience a decrease in the frequency of outbreaks over time, and some eventually stop showing symptoms altogether. For more information, check out herpes medications at Bridge Health.