1. Note How You Caught the Virus
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the same herpes simplex that produces fever blisters on your lips or cold sores within your mouth. Although genital herpes is usually transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact with an infected person, it's possible for people with herpes simplex to spread the infection to their own genitals through their fingertips. Fever blisters and cold sores are usually diagnosed as herpes simplex 1. Genital herpes is usually called herpes simplex 2. They are both caused by the same virus.
2. Recognize the Signs of an Inital Outbreak
The first outbreak of genital herpes symptoms may begin much like the flu. Fever (sometimes high), headache (often severe) and overall muscle aches and pains come on after a period of feeling more tired than usual. In women, vaginal discharge may be present along with pain when urinating. In both men and women, lymph glands around the groin area may become swollen and tender to the touch as the body tries to fight off the infection.
3. Look for Blisters and Ulcers
Genital herpes symptoms manifest as small round blisters. In many people, these sores itch in the beginning, and then start to burn as they rupture. The blisters rupture into ulcers (round, raw places on the skin) which may be excruciating. Severity of symptoms, pain and discomfort vary. Some people may experience mildly uncomfortable genital sores and even mistake them for insect bites. These sores appear on and around the penis in men. Women get sores on the outside and inside of the vagina. Both men and women may get sores around the anal area.
4. Expect Recurrent Attacks
There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. Recurrent attacks of genital herpes may happen several times a year, or you may go years between attacks. Fortunately, most people experience fewer attacks as time goes on, and the attacks often diminish in severity. The genital sores (blisters and ulcers) may remain painful, but they don't last as long. Initial outbreaks of genital herpes may last from 2 to 4 weeks, while subsequent outbreaks may last only a few days.
5. Respect the Contagious Period
Genital herpes symptoms become less severe with each outbreak. Usually, only the first outbreak begins with fever and flu-like symptoms. You may still experience fatigue and an achy feeling when an outbreak is about to occur. You also may feel pain in the area where genital herpes sores usually appear. These areas may become painful before any blisters form. This pain is caused by inflamed nerves leading to the skin at the site of the blister eruption. During this time (and when sores are open), you are especially contagious.
