Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. This is the same viral infection that leads to cold sores-and rather like cold sores, once you are infected with genital herpes simplex, you have it for life. Although there is no cure for genital herpes, it is not as serious as many other sexually transmitted diseases. However, it can cause complications, so it is important that you know to recognize genital herpes symptoms to avoid passing the virus on to present or future sexual partners.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
Most people who have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus will experience symptoms of the disease after seven to ten days, but in rare cases, it is possible to have been infected for a year or more before the first outbreak of symptoms occurs.
In the first instance, the genital area will feel sore and painful. This sensation of discomfort will quickly lead to an outbreak of small blisters containing a clear fluid. These will burst and form ulcers within a few days. The ulcers usually heal up after one to two weeks, although it can take as long as three weeks during a first outbreak of genital herpes. It is also quite common for the glands in the groin to swell up as a further sign of viral infection.
While the herpes blisters are present, you are infectious and can pass on the virus during sexual contact. Once the tell-tale blisters have ulcerated and healed, new skin forms and you are left with no visible signs of the infection whatsoever. At this point, you are no longer infectious.
However, the genital herpes virus has not been vanquished-it has merely retreated into the nearest nerve ganglion and there it waits until such time as it is reactivated and another outbreak of symptoms occurs.
How to recognize the symptoms of genital herpes in subsequent outbreaks
The first attack of herpes is normally the worst. You are likely to experience a great deal of discomfort and the characteristic herpes blisters can take up to three weeks to heal. Thankfully, future outbreaks of the herpes virus normally last only a week and you may only have one or two blisters. You are also more likely to recognize the symptoms and be able to take precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to others.
The first sign of a subsequent herpes outbreak is often a tingling in the area where you normally see blisters. This is an indication that the virus is reactivating and you can expect to have symptoms within twenty-four hours. You may only see one or two blisters, or even experience just a vague soreness, but you are still infectious, so always avoid sexual contact.
Do the herpes blisters always occur in the same place?
Although herpes blisters typically recur in the same area of the genitals, some people find the symptoms recur in a slightly different location: for example, if the first attack caused blisters to form on the vulva, a subsequent attack might cause blisters in the anal region.
Is it possible to have herpes and show no symptoms?
Some people can be a carrier of the herpes virus and never have any symptoms whatsoever. Although transmission of the herpes virus normally occurs when blisters are present, it is possible to pass on the virus through a process known as 'asymptomatic shedding', which is why unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the herpes virus is always risky, even when they have no symptoms.
So protect yourself and learn how to recognize the symptoms of herpes!
For more useful information on genital herpes and other STDs, check out my genital herpes information website. It's full of sexual health advice plus how to recognize the symptoms of genital herpes and other common sexually transmitted infections.
