infections
Genital Herpes
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Thefirst genital HSV infection(genital herpes) can be severe and prolonged, with many painful blisters in the genital and/or anal area. In women, internal blisters may develop in the vagina or on the cervix. Internal blisters are less painful and are not visible. The blisters develop 4 to 7 days after people are infected. Blisters caused by a first genital infection are usually more painful, last longer, and are more widespread than those caused by a recurrent infection. Fever and a general feeling of illness (malaise) are common, and some people have burning during urination, difficulty urinating, or constipation. Some people have no symptoms. Recurrencesof genital herpes often begin with symptoms (including tingling, discomfort, itching, or aching in the groin) that precede the blisters by several hours to 2 to 3 days. Painful blisters surrounded by a reddish rim appear on the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals. The blisters quickly break open, leaving sores. Blisters may also appear on the thighs or buttocks or around the anus. In women, blisters may develop on the vulva (the area around the opening of the vagina). These blisters are usually obvious and very painful. A typical episode of recurring genital herpes lasts a week. Bacteria sometimes infect genital sores due to HSV infection. Such sores may appear more irritated or have a thick or foul-smelling discharge. This photo shows blisters on the vulva of a woman who has genital herpes. © Springer Science+Business Media This photo shows open sores on the vulva of a woman who has genital herpes. © Springer Science+Business Media This photo shows a cluster of blisters on the penis of a man who has genital herpes. © Springer Science+Business Media 