3 Ways to Identify the Female Symptoms of Herpes

1. Identify Your First Outbreak

People differ, so it is impossible to say exactly how your body might respond to a first outbreak of herpes. In the worst case, symptoms begin within 2 weeks of the time you are exposed by a sex partner. The first symptom you may notice is that your genitals are inflamed, painful, itchy, or uncomfortably tingly. With the help of a mirror, you may then be able to see blisters develop on your labia. Others may be hidden in the vagina or anus. The blisters eventually burst, leaving open sores that crust over and heal. Especially during a first outbreak, you may also feel tired and have a fever, swollen glands, and widespread aches. Urination may cause stinging or pain. The entire episode usually resolves in a couple of weeks, although some people develop a second crop of blisters during this time.

In a less severe outbreak, the blisters might be less numerous, or you might not experience fever or fatigue.

If you visit the doctor during an episode, she may be able to confirm the diagnosis simply by examining the lesions. A lab test can also be performed. No medication is available to cure the infection, but some antiviral drugs may shorten the outbreak.

2. Detect a Repeat Outbreak

Once you have a herpes infection, the virus is yours forever. Scientists have not found a way to eliminate the virus. The viruses that cause cold sores and chickenpox are closely related to the strains that cause genital herpes, and they stay with us forever too. Chickenpox, for example, can return as shingles later in life.

The good news is that your first episode of genital herpes is almost always the worst. Subsequent episodes are typically briefer and less severe, but they often occur frequently. The first recurrence often happens within weeks to months after the first, and you may have as many as 5 during the first year after you get infected. But over time, the outbreaks become less frequent.

3. Be Aware That You May Not Get Herpes Symptoms at All

Scientists think that as many as 75% of people with genital herpes never get symptoms. Or their symptoms may be extremely mild and the person either does not notice the blisters or disregards the few she gets. If you have been infected, however, the virus remains in your body--and you remain capable of spreading the virus to someone else.