Genital herpesis a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Others may experience discomfort or symptoms like itching.
Even mild symptoms may go unnoticed.
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For this reason, many people may be unaware they have herpes.
This is referred to as having an outbreak.
Sometimes, these sores may be mistaken for other conditions like ingrown hairs or pimples.
Along with sores, it is also possible to experience flu-like symptoms.
These may include:
What Does Genital Herpes Feel Like?
Many people will never notice they have genital herpes and won’t feel any symptoms.
There may also be an itchy feeling or a feeling of discomfort in the genital area.
Medications can shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks and also make them less likely to occur.
Daily herpes medication can also reduce the chances of an infection being passed on to a sexual partner.
If sores from herpes become uncomfortable, steps can be taken tomanage any discomfort.
These include:
It is important not to touch sores from herpes or the fluids from the sores.
Doing this can cause the infection to be transmitted to other parts of the body.
Genital herpes outbreaks can occur again and again.
The exact trigger for an outbreak of herpes is unknown and can be due to a variety of factors.
These include:
Complications of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes has the potential to cause complications.
Acquiring genital herpes also raises therisk of getting HIV.
The risk is two to three times higher in people with genital herpes.
Those with both genital herpes and HIV are more likely to transmit HIV to other people.
This occurs in 10 in every 100,000 births globally.
It is serious and can be life-threatening.
What to Expect
Herpes is common.
Genital herpes can be acquired by anyone who has had sex.
Reaching out to a trusted friend or even a support group may also help if you are struggling.
If youhave herpes and are pregnant,this can lead to complications for you and the fetus.
you might also transmit the herpes infection to your baby.
During pregnancy, it is important to be upfront with your healthcare provider about your herpes status.
Summary
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection.
Many people with the infection may not notice it due to having mild or no symptoms.
Some people may experience itching or a burning sensation before sores develop.
The sores may be painful.
Other symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, may accompany genital herpes.
A Word From Verywell
It can be uncomfortable or embarrassing to deal with a sexually transmitted infection.
But it is important to remember genital herpes is common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not everyone with herpes will notice symptoms.
Sores may go unnoticed, but the blisters may also burst, and these sores can be painful.
Genital herpes can be painful but isn’t always.
Many people don’t even know they have herpes.
The large majority of people will have either no symptoms or mild symptoms.
They may even mistake herpes sores for ingrown hairs or pimples.
The first outbreak of herpes sores usually occurs between two days to three weeks after transmission.
When sores appear, they will often scab over and heal within two to six weeks.
Not everyone with herpes sores will feel itchy.
Some people may not even notice them.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital herpes: signs and symptoms.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Genital herpes.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Planned Parenthood.Living with herpes.
