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Learn More about Genital Herpes

What are some genital herpes symptoms?
The symptoms of genital herpes vary from person to person. Most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection. However, if genital herpes symptoms occur during the primary episode, they can be quite pronounced. The primary episode usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted. Early genital herpes symptoms can include:
- flu-like symptoms, including fever
- swollen glands
- pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
- vaginal discharge
- a feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach
Within a few days, sores (also called lesions) show up where the virus has entered the body, such as on the mouth, penis, or vagina. The sores are small red bumps that may turn into blisters or painful open sores. Over a period of days, the sores become crusted and then heal without scarring. Some individuals with HSV-2 infection may never have lesions, or may have very mild symptoms that they don't even notice or that they mistake for insect bites or a rash.
Other genital herpes symptoms Other later symptoms of genital herpes may include:
- small red bumps on the penis, vagina, or wherever the infection began. These bumps may become blisters or painful open sores that can take up to four weeks to heal.
- itching, burning, pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
- feeling pressure or discomfort around your stomach
- fever, headache, muscle aches, pain when urinating
- swollen glands in the genital area
Some people may have no symptoms, but they can still spread herpes. Sometimes only very mild sores appear, but are mistaken for an insect bite or other skin problems. If you have HIV, a genital herpes infection can be worse.
How often will genital herpes symptoms occur? Most people diagnosed with a primary episode of genital herpes can expect to have several symptomatic recurrences a year (average four or five). These recurrences usually are most noticeable within the first year following the first episode.
Learn More about Genital Herpes

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