- an itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area
- flu-like symptoms, including fever
- swollen glands
- pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
- vaginal discharge
- a feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach
Within a few days, sores (also called lesions) show up where the virus has entered the body, such as on the mouth, penis, or vagina.
Sores can also show up on a woman’s cervix, which is the opening to the uterus or womb, or in the urinary passage in men. The sores are small red bumps that may turn into blisters or painful open sores. Over a period of days, the sores become crusted and then heal without scarring.
Other later symptoms of genital herpes may include:
- small red bumps on the penis, vagina, or wherever the infection began. These bumps may become blisters or painful open sores that can take up to four weeks to heal.
- itching or burning in the genital area
- pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
- vaginal discharge
- feeling pressure or discomfort around your stomach
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- pain when urinating
- swollen glands in the genital area
Some people may have no symptoms – but they can still spread herpes! Sometimes only very mild sores appear, but are mistaken for an insect bite or other skin problems.
If you have HIV, a genital herpes infection can be worse.If you have herpes, do not have any sexual activity with someone who does not have herpes when you have sores or other symptoms of herpes. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still pass the virus to others.
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