Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a strain of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes has no cure and the infection causes sores in the area of the genitals, buttocks and anus, according to Medline Plus. The genital herpes virus causes periods of outbreaks and other times with no symptoms present. Prescription medications may decrease the outbreaks. The virus may cause symptoms over the entire body and other symptoms strictly located in the genital region. Recognizing the symptoms of genital herpes is important for proper treatment and reducing the possibility of spreading the virus.
Asymptomatic
Many infected individuals do not know they have the herpes virus because no symptoms ever present. Other times, the symptoms are mild and go unnoticed. During the dormant period, there are no symptoms of the virus. Although the symptoms of the virus are not present, it is still possible to transmit the infection to another person, according to Medline Plus.
Blisters
The most common symptom of genital herpes is the small blisters found in the genital region of infected individuals. The blisters may break open and release straw-colored fluid. The open blisters create sores on the skin. Females experience the sores on the vagina and cervix. Males experience the blisters on the penis and scrotum. Both sexes may have the herpes rash on their inner thighs, anus and buttocks, as well. The ulcerated areas of skin begin to scab over as they heal. The sores created by the blisters may take a week or two to heal, according to Medline Plus.
Pain
Before the eruption of the blisters, stinging, itching or pain may occur in the same area. The area may also tingle before the blisters appear. Urinating may become painful during a genital herpes outbreak. The urine passing over the cores may sting and burn.
Body Aches
The genital herpes virus may also cause a general feeling of ill health, including aching muscles. The muscle aches may occur in the lower extremities and the lower back.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Because genital herpes is a virus, the lymph nodes in the groin area may feel larger or tender while other symptoms occur. The lymph nodes attempt to fight off the virus during the outbreak.
Vaginal Discharge
During a genital herpes outbreak, females may also experience vaginal discharge. This discharge occurs from the herpes blisters breaking open inside the vagina.
