Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is mainly caused by "herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2)", but recent studies have pointed out that herpes type 1 virus (HSV-1) can also be infected and causes genital herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is spread during sexual intercourse.

Genital herpes mainly affects the epidermis of the reproductive organs. The affected area is itchy at first, then a small, painful blister appears, ranging in size from a pinhead to a mung bean. Three or four days later, the blisters burst, ulcerated and discharged clear fluid. If there is no other infection, the ulcer usually dries, scars, and heals on its own within ten days. Sometimes, some people experience stinging when urinating. Patients may also experience fatigue, fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. But these symptoms will disappear on their own after two to three weeks.

Genital herpes incubation period

About 5-6 days ^{[Center for Health Protection, Department of Health]}

Asymptomatic genital herpes

As much as 72% genital herpes infection is asymptomatic. Symptoms can sometimes be mild and therefore remain undiagnosed. The first outbreak of genital herpes usually lasts longer than recurrent outbreaks, and is often characterized by muscle pain, headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the following symptoms.

Genital Herpes Symptoms in Men

• Pain or itchiness of the genitals,
• One of more small blisters around the mouth, genitals or rectum,
• The blisters can rupture and causes painful ulcers
• Inflammation of the urethra
• Inflammation of the rectum

Genital Herpes Symptoms in Women

• Pain or itchiness of the genitals,
• One of more small blisters around the mouth, genitals or rectum,
• The blisters can rupture and causes painful ulcers.
• Inflammation of the cervix
• Inflammation of the rectum

Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes

As the herpes simplex virus cannot be clear since contracted, it can only be treated when there is blister-like symptoms. Therefore, HSV can remain dormant for years, and reactivation leads to recurrent outbreaks, which usually have shorter duration and less severe symptoms.

Viral Shedding of genital herpes

Transmission commonly occurs from contact with an infected partner who does not have visible lesions and who may not know that he or she is infected. In persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 infections, genital HSV shedding occurs on 10.2% of days, compared to 20.1% of days among those with symptomatic infections.

(REF: Wald, A., Zeh, J., Selke, S., Warren, T., Ryncarz, A. J., Ashley, R., ... & Corey, L. (2000). Reactivation of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in asymptomatic seropositive persons. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(12), 844-850. )
(REF: Wald, A., Zeh, J., Selke, S., Warren, T., Ryncarz, A. J., Ashley, R., ... & Corey, L. (2000). Reactivation of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in asymptomatic seropositive persons. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(12), 844-850.)