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What are the signs and symptoms of genital herpes?
Some people experience very mild genital herpes symptoms or no symptoms at all, so they don't even know they are infected. However, for many people the first outbreak is often the worst, and genital herpes symptoms can be quite painful.
The main signs of genital herpes are sores around the vagina, on the penis, or near the anus. Sometimes genital herpes sores appear on the scrotum, buttocks, or thighs. The sores may appear about 4 to 7 days after infection. They usually begin as a rash of red bumps. The bumps then turn into blisters. It is common for the blisters to open up, sometimes causing severe pain. In time, the sores will scab over and heal. The first outbreak of genital herpes usually lasts 10 to 20 days until healing is complete.
During the first outbreak, many people have other genital herpes symptoms:
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Swollen glands (Lymph Nodes) in the groin |
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Discharge from the vagina or penis |
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Painful or difficult urination |
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Fever |
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Headache |
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Muscle ache |
More women than men report severe herpes symptoms, especially during the first outbreak.
What are the signs and symptoms of recurrent (repeated) genital herpes outbreaks?
The signs of recurrent (repeated) outbreaks of genital herpes are similar to the signs of the first outbreak, but they may not be as severe. Some people may have no herpes symptoms, but they can still spread the virus.
Recurrent outbreaks are usually shorter than the first outbreak, typically 7 to 10 days from onset to healing. Some people with recurrent outbreaks have warning signs, called a prodrome. These signs can appear a few hours or up to a day before an outbreak. The most common prodrome is tingling in the area where the rash will appear. Although warning signs are different for everyone, many people can recognize when an outbreak is coming. It's important to recognize your prodrome, because starting Single-Day FAMVIR at this critical time can stop the virus from reproducing. If you can stop the virus during this time, you may be able to stop a full-blown outbreak.
After the warning signs pass, sores may develop. Sores generally develop in stages:
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Small red areas appear and may be sensitive, itchy, or painful. |
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These areas may swell slightly. |
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Next, small blisters filled with fluid form in the same area as the rash. |
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The blisters can open up and form open sores, which may be quite painful. |
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As the sores start to heal, they crust over. New skin grows beneath the scab. |
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When the crust falls off, the sore is healed. |
During repeated outbreaks with herpes symptoms, the sores almost always appear on the same side of the body each time.
Learn how genital herpes is treated
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