Symptoms of Herpes

Nobody wants to face the fact that they could be experiencing symptoms of herpes but if you are, medical treatment is needed promptly. Most people are aware that herpes is a sexually transmitted disease however, many don’t realize just how contagious and serious this condition can be.

Both men and women can experience symptoms of herpes but it is also important to note that you can be infected and have no symptoms at all. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you are still contagious and can pass it on. After the initial infection, the herpes virus can reactivate several times per year, remaining dormant the rest of the time.

While there currently is not a cure, there are medications that are available that can reduce your symptoms of herpes and decrease the risk of you infecting others.

Many infected people experience such minor symptoms of herpes that they don’t realize they have the virus. When symptoms are present, itching or pain is first noticed. Within a few days, tiny white blisters or small red bumps will usually appear. These will become ulcers after they rupture and bleed or ooze, eventually forming a scab to heal.

While you have these ulcers, urinating can be quite painful. Pain and tenderness are typically present while the scabs are healing as well. During your initial outbreak, you will likely experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes as your body is responding to the infection.

After the initial outbreak, recurrences are very common. Some will experience episodes several times throughout the first few years but as time passes, symptoms of herpes eventually become less frequent in most individuals. For many people, episodes are triggered by fatigue, illness, stress, surgery or menstruation.

Complications

If you are experiencing symptoms of herpes, it is imperative that you seek necessary treatment. Complications can include:

• Bladder Problems – Inflammation can be caused around the urethra from genital herpes which will make it impossible for you to urinate. In this case, a catheter will need to be inserted to drain your bladder.
• Meningitis – The membranes and spinal fluid can become inflamed that surround your spinal cord and brain.
• Newborn Infection – Women can pass the virus to their baby during birth which can result in blindness, brain damage and death.
• Proctitis – Rectal inflammation can become a serious concern, especially in men who have male partners.

Visit your health care provider so that you can receive the necessary treatment for yourself and to protect others.