Do I Have Herpes: The Symptoms of Genital Herpes for Men and Women

Do I have herpes you wonder to yourself? If you've recently had unprotected intercourse, have been with an unfaithful partner, and notice some changes to your genital area, your first thought should be whether or not the changes are due to an STD, such as genital herpes.

Symptoms of Herpes for Men and Women

The symptoms of genital herpes in men and women are primarily the same. The main distinction for herpes symptoms for males and females is the different anatomy of each gender.

Herpes on the genitalia are characterized by lesions, usually oblong, that resemble sore. If you are intimate with an infected person, the herpes can be on the genitalia, inner thighs, and anus or wherever the infected person's herpes comes in contact with.

The common symptoms of genital herpes for men and women are as follows:

-flu symptoms

-possibly a fever, especially if this is the first outbreak

-burning, itching, or other discomfort around the genital area

-lymph nodes that are swollen

-achy muscles

-Burning and/or pain when urinating

-possible discomfort or pain around the anus, buttocks, or inner thigh area

What is Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a virus and because of this the symptoms and signs of a herpes outbreak can resemble the same types of symptoms you would have with any other type of viral infection. The difference is you will possibly have these symptoms while also having lesions in and around the genitalia, i.e. penis, vagina, anus.

If you are feeling viral type symptoms associated with lesions to the genitals then you should seek medical attention. It may not be genital herpes, but it may very well be and a course of treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Is Genital Herpes Curable
There is no cure for herpes but the signs and symptoms can be controlled better with various types of herpes medications.

Once you contract genital herpes you will have this condition for life. Many who have genital herpes say that the first outbreak is the worst and the first year of having genital herpes is harder to handle than subsequent years with the virus.

How Often Do Genital Herpes Occur
The outbreaks can happen once a year, once a month, or stay dormant for years. Genital herpes outbreaks can vary from person to person. Some people have outbreaks constantly, others only intermittently. Your doctor will help devise a treatment plan for you that will help suppress the symptoms and signs as much as possible.

It should be noted again that there is no cure for genital herpes. You should also be informed that even when you are not having an outbreak you can still spread the virus to others. It is important to always use a condom when having sexual intercourse. The condom is not guaranteed to prevent the spread of herpes because the virus is so small and can seep through the microscopic porous areas of the condom. Although using a condom is not always a full proof way of preventing the spread of herpes, it does help to prevent the spreading and should always be used when having sexual intercourse with a stranger, an unfaithful partner, or if your partner has a known diagnosis of genital herpes.

Sources:
www.cdc.gov
www.wikipedia.com
www.medicinenet.com