TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on -May 27, 2023, 00:00 ISTShare fbsharetwsharepinshareComments (0)
01/6What are genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which leads to herpetic sores. These are painful blisters that are filled with fluids and can break open and ooze fluid. This STI is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and can affect both men and women. This infection can spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
02/6When do the signs of genital herpes appear?
Usually, a first outbreak (appearance of blisters) will appear 4 days after contracting the virus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it can also take as little as 2 days, or as long as 12 days or more, to appear. Some people infected with the virus may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. However, irrespective of the intensity of their symptoms, they can still spread the virus. Here are some common signs to pay attention to.
03/6General symptoms for those with a penis
These include blisters on the:
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Buttocks (near or around the anus)
04/6General symptoms for those with a vagina
These include blisters around or near the:
- Vagina
- Anus
- Buttocks
05/6Other symptoms in general
Apart from the above mentioned symptoms, according to Healthline, here are some more signs that people with genital herpes may experience:
- Blisters in the mouth and on the lips, face, and anywhere else that came into contact with areas of infection.
- The area that has contracted the infection starts to itch or tingle before blisters appear.
- The blisters may become ulcerated (open sores) and ooze fluid.
- A crust may appear over the sores within a week of the outbreak.
- The lymph glands, which fight infection and inflammation in the body, may become swollen.
- The viral infection may cause headaches, body aches, and fever.
Read more: Do men get menopause? Here is all you need to know
06/6When to see a doctor for genital herpes
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms of genital herpes, it’s important to see a doctor. They can make a proper diagnosis and discuss how to manage the infection.
There is no cure for genital herpes and signs often show up again after the first outbreak. These are called prodromal symptoms, which may include genital pain and tingling or shooting pain in the legs, hips or buttocks Medicine can ease symptoms and also lowers the risk of infecting others. Using condoms can help prevent the spread of a genital herpes infection.
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