Genital Herpes
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.
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