Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a serious sexually transmitted disease (STD) for which there is no cure. Fortunately, with prompt treatment, some of the painful symptoms can be alleviated. Herpes does not always have symptoms, but the presence of certain factors likely means that someone has contracted a case of genital herpes.

Affected Areas

• Symptoms of genital herpes do not just appear on the penis, scrotum, vagina, or vulva. They can also happen on the buttocks, in the anus, or on the thighs.

Blisters

• Blisters on the genital area are a primary symptom of herpes, especially when the blisters break and become crusty.

Rashes and Bumps

• Some people with genital herpes get unexplained rashes and bumps in the pelvic regions rather than blisters and sores.

Flu-Like Symptoms

• If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever and body chills soon after a sexual encounter, you may have genital herpes. In addition, swollen lymph nodes and glands--especially in the genital region--are a sign of herpes infection.

Painful Urination

• Painful urination in itself is not necessarily a sign of genital herpes, but it is considered a symptom, especially when accompanied by other signs of this STD infection.