If a person is exposed to the herpes simplex virus, he undergoes an incubation period of 3-7 days. After the incubation period, he experiences the first signs of this infection in form of a lesion. During this period of one week, he / she experience no symptoms. An outbreak generally shows on the body within a span of two weeks after getting attacked by the virus. The initial herpes genital symptoms manifest in form itching or tingling accompanied by the redness of skin. Further, blisters start to appear in the genital areas of infected men and women. Blisters and ulcers are very painful to touch. They are usually last for a period of two weeks. These are some of the most common symptoms of genital herpes. However, symptoms of herpes vary in men and women.

Herpes symptoms in men

This infection though is very common among women, it is imperative for the men folk to learn about herpes genital symptoms as well. Herpes Genital symptoms in men usually occur in form of swelling, itching or few rashes on the penis. Men may also experience slight pain while urinating. Next, slight painful and red colored bumps around the genital area are yet another common “herpes symptoms men”.  In some cases, these bumps may be small and large, depending on person to person. However, most of the times, these bumps are mildly painful and uncomfortable. They alleviate in size with time and burst. Few men may experience cold sores on the penis instead of mouth.

After men notice development of the above herpes genital symptoms on their body, they must immediately consult a doctor. If this infection is left unattended for long, they will undergo the formation of scabs on the open sores. Or, their urination would become unbearably painful.

Herpes symptoms in women

Women are approximately four times more vulnerable to this disease in comparison to men. In the first outbreak, women many experience herpes lesions at any spot in the genital area. It may occur inside the vagina, urethra, on the surface of cervix, inside the vulva. Herpes lesions can also occur in areas away from the genital organs like buttocks, thighs etc. The first lesion lasts for an average period of 3 weeks or longer. One of the most common herpes symptoms genital is the burning sensation during urination. They experience itching as well as burning sensation in the inner walls of vagina and surrounding areas. Sometimes, they also undergo unusual vaginal discharge.  Headaches, fever, sore thumbs, joint pain and muscle pain are yet other common symptoms in women.

Apart from the above signs, there is an appearance of blister or sores around the exposed sexual organs. They can also appear on thighs, buttocks and mouth. These blisters can be both large sized as well as small sized. All the sores and blisters gradually reduce in size and finally burst. Their bursting can be painful and sometimes followed by rashes or burning sensation. If you have been lately experiencing such symptoms, it is quite a possibility that you have contracted Genital Herpes. Get yourself checked as soon as possible.