What are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Symptoms of genital herpes include painful blisters that become sores, flu-like symptoms, pain in the back and legs, vaginal discharge, and pain when urinating.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection/disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). According to the World Health Organization, one out of every six people between 14 and 49 years have genital herpes.
The virus is transferred via skin-to-skin contact during oral, vaginal or anal sex. However, some people get herpes from kissing someone who has herpes symptoms, while others contracted the virus in the womb. Herpes can also be passed on if you share sex toys without washing them first or using a condom.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

The most prevalent symptom of genital herpes is small painful blisters that burst after a few days to leave red and open sores. These blisters can occur on your vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and the top of your thighs. Most people notice these blisters a few weeks after getting infected, and they can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, headaches, and a fever.
If you suspect you have genital herpes, a simple blood test can confirm this for you. Alternatively, the doctor can take a swab sample from the blisters if you already have symptoms.

Other symptoms of genital herpes include;

•    Tingling, itching, and burning around the genitals
•    Pain when urinating
•    Scabs or skin that crusts over and forms scabs when the blisters heal
•    Unusual vaginal discharge
•    Pain in the lower back and buttocks

However, most people with genital herpes do not get any symptoms or can go months and even years before the first symptoms show up.
While herpes simplex virus cannot be cured, the symptoms usually go away on their own within two to three weeks or less. However, if your immunity is not strong enough, you may require an antiviral treatment to deal with the symptoms and shorten the outbreaks. This treatment is most effective when taken within five days of symptoms occurring.

Besides the oral treatment, it’s also important to

1. Keep the infected area clean and moisturized.
2. Wash daily with some salty water to prevent blisters from getting infected and gently apply some Vaseline on them.
   
3. Avoid touching or scratching the blisters and wear loose-fitting clothes.
4. If the blisters are painful, ask your healthcare provider to recommend some painkilling creams or oral painkillers.
5. Do not have any form of sex or skin-to-skin contact with someone else until the symptoms are completely gone.

The symptoms of genital herpes reoccur a couple of times a year for some people, while others stay an entire year without any symptoms. Keeping your immune system strong is the best way to reduce this reoccurrence.

Genital Herpes and HIV/AIDs
Genital herpes is the most common co-infection for people living with HIV. Due to the already compromised immunity, the symptoms of herpes will be more severe, more frequent, and can last longer than usual. If you get regular outbreaks of genital herpes, consider getting an HIV test, as this may be the reason your immunity is weak.

Having genital herpes puts you at risk of catching other sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDs. If you are pregnant, the baby will be exposed to the virus during birth, resulting in health issues. Other complications of genital herpes include bladder problems, meningitis, and rectal inflammation.

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