Genital herpes symptoms

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads easily. It's caused by a type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus enters the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Most people with HSV never know they have it. That's because they have no symptoms or symptoms are too mild to be noticed. If there are symptoms, they tend to appear within 12 days of being exposed to HSV.

If you notice herpes symptoms, the first time you get them tends to be the worst. Some people never get symptoms again. For others the symptoms come and go over many years.

Genital herpes symptoms can include:

• Small red bumps, blisters called vesicles or open sores called ulcers. These symptoms often show up around the genitals, rectum and mouth. They may take a week or longer to heal.
• Pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks and inner thighs.
• A feeling of pressure in the stomach area.
• Vaginal discharge.

Ulcers can make urination painful. People may have pain and tenderness in the genital area until the infection clears. During a first bout of symptoms, you may have flu-like symptoms as well. Those symptoms can include a headache, muscle aches and fever, as well as swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

Sometimes, the infection can be spread even when sores aren't present.