Genital Herpes, which is often referred to as Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). That means that gential herpes is most commonly spread through sexual contact. Within seven days of the initial skin to skin contact, the symptoms of genital herpes begin to appear. The most common symptom is a cluster of small, fluid-filled blisters. When these break, they form painful sores which eventually get crusty and heal – usually within 7 – 14 days.
However, prior to that outbreak, an individual can struggle with the following symptoms:
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Tingling
- Burning
- Itching
- Pain at the site where blisters will appear
Genital herps doesn’t just affect the genital area. In fact, a person with the HSV-2 virus will often face flu-like symptoms such as:
- Malaise (general feeling of being unwell)
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Head aches
- Decrease in appetite
Once the outbreak of blisters begins, people often report tenderness and swelling in the lymph nodes, especially those in the genital area. Women generally develop vaginal discharge and painful urination. Men will also develop pain upon urinating especially if a sore or lesion rests near the opening of the urethra.
Click here for some tips on how you can handle an outbreak of genital herpes.
