Herpes is one of the more discreet sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Unfortunately, most people who have been infected with herpes never know it because they either don’t have any symptoms or they don’t recognize the symptoms that they do have.
The signs and symptoms of a herpes outbreak can be different for each person. Usually, when you become infected with herpes for the first time, the symptoms appear within two to 20 days and this first episode may last between two to three weeks.
Location of herpes outbreak
The symptoms of genital herpes can affect any of the following places on the body
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Vulva
- Vagina
- Anus
- Urethra
- Thighs
- Buttocks
Herpes outbreak symptoms the same for men and women
The signs and symptoms that you have been exposed to the herpes virus are the same for men and women. The early symptoms of genital herpes are:
- General aches and pains in the legs, buttocks and genital area
- Pain and pressure in the area between your navel and your genital area
- An unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- An itching or burning feeling in your sexual organs area including the rectum
- A fever and upset stomach that you may think is the flu
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Low back pain
The next stage of the symptoms of herpes includes:
- A itching tingling or burning sensation before the blisters appear Blisters near the area where the virus was entered to the body such as the mouth, penis or vagina
- Open sores develop crust over and then heal
- Swollen glands in the area between your Navel and your sexual organs
- A burning sensation while you urinate.
However, many people with genital herpes never have symptoms, or they mistake them for another malady, such as:
- A vaginal yeast infection
- Insect bites
- Hemorrhoids
- An ingrown hair
If you experience any of the herpes outbreak symptoms and you suspect that you are infected, see your doctor right away.