Genital herpes symptoms

Not everyone experiences symptoms with genital herpes. Many people carry the herpes simplex virus (HSV) without knowing it. When symptoms do occur, a first outbreak often begins with an itchy, tingling, or burning sensation, followed by painful blisters and small sores on or around the genitals.

The first outbreak is usually the most severe. After this, the virus remains in the body for life, and subsequent outbreaks can occur. How often this happens varies greatly from person to person.

What are the first symptoms of genital herpes?

The first symptoms usually appear a few days to two weeks after infection.

Common symptoms include:

• Itching or a burning sensation around the genitals.
• Small fluid-filled blisters.
• Painful sores after the blisters have opened.
• Pain during urination.
• Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the groin.
• Fever, muscle aches, and a general feeling of illness during the first outbreak.

Over time, the blisters dry up and the sores usually heal on their own. However, the virus remains present in the body.

What does genital herpes look like?

Genital herpes usually starts with small clusters of blisters on a red background. The blisters can burst and turn into superficial, painful sores.

Symptoms can occur on the penis, labia, vagina, anus, buttocks, or around the upper thighs. The exact location depends on where the infection took place.

Can you have genital herpes without symptoms?

Yes. A large proportion of people with genital herpes never realize they are infected.

Even without visible blisters, the virus can sometimes be transmitted to a sexual partner. Therefore, someone can spread herpes without being aware of it.

Do the symptoms return?

Yes. After an initial infection, the herpes virus remains in the body.

For some people, it stays with one outbreak, while others experience recurrent symptoms. Reduced immunity, stress, illness, or menstruation can trigger a new outbreak.

Are the symptoms the same for men and women?

The symptoms are very similar, but the location of the blisters differs.

In women, blisters often appear on the labia, in or around the vagina, or near the anus. In men, they are usually located on the penis, glans, foreskin, or around the anus.

When should you get tested?

Get tested if:

• You get blisters or sores on your genitals for the first time.
• Your partner has genital herpes.
• You have a lot of pain or difficulty urinating.
• You are pregnant and think you have genital herpes.

The sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can be started to reduce symptoms and the risk of transmission to a partner.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

If blisters or sores are present, a doctor can take fluid or skin material for laboratory examination.

Based on this examination, it can usually be determined whether it is a herpes infection.

Frequently asked questions about genital herpes symptoms

What is the first symptom of genital herpes?

An outbreak often begins with itching, tingling, or a burning sensation, followed by small blisters.

Are the blisters painful?

Yes. Especially when the blisters burst and become sores, they can be painful.

Can you have herpes without symptoms?

Yes. Many people never realize they are infected.

How long does an outbreak last?

A first outbreak usually lasts two to four weeks. Subsequent outbreaks are often milder and shorter.

Can the symptoms come back?

Yes. Because the virus remains in the body, new outbreaks can occur later.

Recognize the signs and don't wait too long

Genital herpes is not always immediately recognized. Do you have blisters, sores, or a burning sensation around your genitals? Get tested. A quick diagnosis makes it possible to treat the symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission to a partner.