Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is relatively common in women and men who have unprotected sex. Herpes simplex virus has no cure, but it is not fatal. You can avoid getting it by using a condom during sex or making sure your partner wears a condom. If you already have herpes, you can avoid spreading it by using a condom. Herpes symptoms can recur after infection.
Initial Symptoms
When you first are infected with herpes, the most common symptoms generally will be itching and pain in your genital area. This is caused by red, tiny bumps, ulcers or open sores, or vesicles or blisters. The tiny, red bumps can break open as ulcers and bleed and ooze. These do not continue, but rather scab over and then heal. These also can spread to the surrounding areas of your genitals. In males, sores generally form on the thighs, buttocks, scrotum and penis. They also can form in the anus or the tube between the bladder and penis called the urethra. Females can get the open sores on the external portion of the genitals and buttocks. They also can form in the vagina, anus and cervix.
Waste Elimination
The formation and then eruption of open sores can affect how you urinate. Typically, you will feel pain when trying to urinate and during the urination itself.
Flu-like Symptoms
The herpes simplex virus can cause symptoms normally associated with a viral infection such as the flu. They can be confused with such a cause. These symptoms include aches and pains, a fever and a headache. This also can include lymph nodal swelling in the groin.
Recurrent Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reports that many people who have been infected with the herpes simplex virus never have signs they have it or symptoms from it. Those who do experience symptoms typically experience the most severe symptoms when they first get the infection. Some will not get a recurrence of symptoms while others can go decades without another outbreak of herpes. While the symptoms associated with a recurrence of a herpes outbreak are similar to the initial outbreak, they can be brought about through triggers such as fatigue, stress, sexual intercourse that might be rough or vigorous, menstruation, surgery and illness. If your immune system is suppressed by drugs such as those used in chemotherapy or steroids, or if you have HIV or AIDS, these also may cause a herpes outbreak.
