Symptoms and Complications
People infected with genital herpes may have no sores or other recognizable symptoms. When there are sores, they usually form a small cluster of red spots or blisters that appear 4 to 7 days after contact. These crust over and heal within 2 to 3 weeks for the first episode and about 1 to 2 weeks for later episodes. They can appear around the anus, buttocks, or thighs, as well as the genitals. Where they appear depends on the sexual activity that transmitted them.
The sores are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms
- pain, itching, tingling, or tenderness around the genitals
- painful urination
- swollen tender points in the groin and lower abdomen
For many people with herpes, the symptoms will return. A return of symptoms is called a recurrence. Recurrences are more likely with HSV-2 infection than with HSV-1. People will often notice warning symptoms minutes to days before a recurrence, such as an itching, tingling, or burning sensation in the affected area. The symptoms of a recurrence tend to be less severe and not last as long as the first episode. Over the years, the recurrent attacks may continue but they usually become less severe with time.
Herpes infection increases the chances of spreading HIV. HSV-2 is itself much more dangerous for people with AIDS and others with weak immune systems.
Pregnant women who have genital herpes may need a caesarean section to protect their babies from infection, as the infection can be very harmful to an infant.