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Many people infected with the genital herpes virus experience outbreaks from time to time. These herpes outbreaks often appear as blisters or sores. The first herpes outbreak usually develops between 2 to 20 days after infection, although it sometimes takes longer. Although it varies, symptoms associated with the first outbreak may last up to 3 weeks. To find out more about how to reduce your number of outbreaks, click here.
However, there are many other people with genital herpes who have symptoms that they don’t recognize. It is important to know that in addition to blisters or sores, there are also many other symptoms that occur around the genital area because of genital herpes.
Examples of these include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Pain while urinating
- Bumps
- Tingling
- Cuts in the genital area
- Vaginal discharge
Some people confuse their symptoms with different conditions such as:
- Vaginitis
- Yeast infections
- Jock itch
- Urinary tract infections
- Rash
- Hemorrhoids
- Folliculitis
Nearly 90% of people with genital herpes get a returning outbreak within the first year of infection. This may happen when something triggers the virus, which lays “sleeping” near the base of the spine. Many things may trigger an outbreak, including stress, excessive sunlight, menstruation, vigorous sexual activity, or a worn-down immune system. Once the herpes virus is awake, it begins to multiply and symptoms can appear, usually at the site of the original infection. The blisters generally heal within 7 to 10 days. Some people have frequent outbreaks, while others have them rarely or never. On average, people with genital herpes get about 3 to 4 outbreaks per year.
If you suspect you may have genital herpes, ask your healthcare provider to test you for the virus.
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