Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Genital Herpes: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > STDs

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

Some people with genital herpes don't realize they are infected because they don't have symptoms. Others have mild symptoms but don't know that they have herpes. The first outbreak of symptoms usually occurs within 2 to 10 days of exposure. It usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Following are early symptoms of the first outbreak:

  • a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
  • fluid leaking from the vagina
  • itching or burning around the genitals or anus
  • pain in the buttocks, genitals, or legs
  • A few days later, multiple sores develop where the virus entered the body. This may be the vagina, penis, or mouth. The sores start as small red sores that blister. They may blend together into larger blisters. The blisters open, then crust over. Other symptoms of the first outbreak may include are as follows:

  • fever
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • painful urination
  • swollen lymph nodes in the groin
  • vaginal discharge
  • Someone who has genital herpes will usually have several recurrences a year. A recurrence usually lasts about a week. The person may have no sores, or very few sores. Some people have genital itching or pain in the buttocks or legs.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Genital Herpes: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Genital Herpes: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Stuart Wolf, MD
    Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
    Date Reviewed: 06/07/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2009 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009