What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
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Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Overview of Genital Herpes Symptoms
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a common sexually transmitted infection characterized by recurrent outbreaks of painful lesions. The symptoms can vary significantly between individuals and between initial and recurrent episodes.
Primary Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Systemic Symptoms
During the first episode of genital herpes, systemic symptoms are common and can include fever, malaise, and generalized viral symptoms such as headache and neck stiffness . These symptoms are often more severe in women than in men.
Localized Symptoms
The primary localized symptoms of genital herpes include:
- Pain and Itching: Nearly all patients experience significant local pain and itching during the initial outbreak .
- Vesicles and Ulcers: The hallmark of genital herpes is the appearance of vesicles (small blisters) that can ulcerate. These lesions are typically found on the genitalia, perineum, buttocks, upper thighs, or perianal areas .
- Dysuria: Painful urination is reported by a significant number of patients .
- Adenopathy: Tender inguinal lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is also a common symptom .
Duration of Symptoms
The lesions from the first episode can last for an average of 19 days, whereas recurrent episodes tend to be shorter, lasting about 10 days.
Recurrent Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Milder Symptoms
Recurrent episodes of genital herpes are generally milder than the initial outbreak. They are characterized by smaller, unilaterally distributed vesicular or ulcerative lesions . Systemic symptoms are less common during recurrences, and a significant proportion of recurrent episodes may be asymptomatic.
Psychological Impact
Recurrent genital herpes can also have a psychological impact, causing emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. These psychological symptoms can sometimes be more predictive of the severity of pain and itching than the physical symptoms themselves .
Asymptomatic Shedding
A notable aspect of genital herpes is asymptomatic viral shedding, where the virus can be transmitted even when no visible symptoms are present. This contributes to the spread of the infection and underscores the importance of awareness and preventive measures .
Conclusion
Genital herpes presents with a range of symptoms, from systemic and localized pain and itching to vesicular lesions and adenopathy. While the initial episode tends to be more severe, recurrent episodes are usually milder but can still cause significant psychological distress. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of the infection.
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