Vaginal herpes, also called genital herpes, is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2. Type 1 of this virus can also cause genital herpes but it is most often attributed to oral herpes. When a woman first contracts the virus--usually through sexual contact--she may not have symptoms right away. When she does develop symptoms, she may not recognize them as resulting from herpes. These beginning symptoms are called prodrome or warning signs of herpes.
Tingling and Other Sensations
Prodrome symptoms may occur with the initial herpes outbreak but they will more likely occur during recurrent herpes episodes, according to the American Social Health Association. The first warning signs of vaginal herpes include tingling, numbness and itching. These symptoms occur on the vagina, surrounding areas, anus and even buttocks depending on where the blisters appear.
Pain and Inflammation
Pain and inflammation, or redness, will develop in the same areas of the vagina and other tissues as the earliest warning signs. The skin may be tender to the touch, urinating often causes burning and intercourse may become painful.
General Illness
While the prodrome symptoms exist, a woman may develop flu-like symptoms including a fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue and nausea, suggests the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She may also notice a feeling of pressure below the stomach prior to herpes blisters appear.
Blistering
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists points out that a few hours after prodrome symptoms appear the woman will develop raised, red bumps that are fluid-filled. The blisters can appear on any tissues of the vagina, the buttocks, the thighs and even the cervix, as indicated by WomensHealth.gov. The blisters will persist for a few days before bursting and oozing a clear or pus-like fluid. Some women will have bleeding as well. Scabs will form over the blisters two or three days after they appear and the ulcer will heal. In the meantime, the woman may experience considerable discomfort when urinating, an increase in vaginal discharge and she may develop a new crop of blisters.
