If you are a sexually active male, you are at an increased risk of becoming infected by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus, commonly referred to as herpes, is transmitted through oral, anal or genital contact with an infected partner. Though some men may not develop any herpes symptoms, it is important for you to be tested for herpes to prevent unintentionally transmitting this virus to your partner. For further information and guidance, talk with your doctor about herpes symptoms in males.
Genital Skin Lesions
There are two different herpes viruses that can cause symptoms: HSV-1 and HSV-2. If you are infected by HSV-2, you are most likely to develop genital herpes, which can cause skin symptoms to emerge around your penis or anus. Genital herpes symptoms typically arise within two to seven weeks following exposure to this virus, explains AVERT, an international AIDS charity.
Initially, a herpes outbreak can cause you to experience a tingly or itchy sensation around your genitals or anus. Small, fluid-filled blisters can begin to appear around your penis, testicles or anus a few days after the initial symptoms of herpes occur. These genital skin lesions are typically painful and uncomfortable and can be accompanied by abnormal discharge from your penis.
As the genital blisters swell, they can burst and form ulcers. A yellowish crust can form across the affected skin region when these skin ulcers begin to heal. This crust eventually flakes off once the genital skin lesions caused by herpes are completely healed.
Herpes outbreak symptoms can persist for two to three weeks, warn doctors at the Mayo Clinic. After the genital herpes outbreak subsides, men and women can continue to experience recurrent outbreaks four to five times a year, which can last anywhere from two to ten days.
Cold Sore or Fever Blister
If you have HSV-1, you are more likely to develop oral herpes symptoms. Typically, men with herpes experience milder symptoms than women with this virus, explain medical professionals at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
The initial symptoms of oral herpes include burning or tingling around the mouth or lips. As the oral herpes outbreak spreads, you can develop painful blisters near your lips or along your tongue or gums, which are commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters.
After the blisters rupture, the resulting skin ulcer will form a crust that falls off as the lesion heals. Health officials at Medline Plus, an informational health website established by the National Institutes of Health, report that an oral herpes outbreak typically lasts for two to three weeks and may occur repeatedly throughout an infected person's life.
Flu-Like Symptoms
During a herpes outbreak, approximately 40 percent of men develop flu-like symptoms in conjunction with either genital or oral skin lesions, report health officials at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
These symptoms can include swollen lymph glands, headache, muscle aches or fever. Certain men can also experience difficulty urinating as a symptom of this viral infection. Seek additional medical care if you develop flu-like symptoms, which can be indicative of an alternate medical problem.
