Herpes of the oral or genital type is a very widespread infection that is present among people of different age levels and gender who engage in sexual activity. Oral herpes is a special type of herpes virus infection usually affecting the dermal regions of the mouth and the symptoms for both men and women are generally the same. However, female genital herpes presents different symptoms than men because the genitals of both genders have a different structure and function.
Both genders diagnosed with oral herpes will manifest a characteristic cold sore on oral regions wherein blister formations are present after certain early symptoms such as tingling, burning and pain in the affected area. Usually, blisters and sores develop that have a reddish base and later turn into grayish ulcers in your skin which can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Once a person has been infected with herpes virus, he or she will continue to experience periodic outbreaks so diagnosed individuals should seek and follow medical advice to prevent spread of infection.
When it comes to the second most common type of infection, genital herpes has one additional characteristic symptom only exclusively seen in women who get this virus. Symptoms in women herpes have distinct characteristics compared with symptoms from men because the genital makeup of both gender are not the same.
Symptoms in women with general herpes are the same with men only when it comes to blister formation on the genital and anal regions of their body. These blisters or sores have a common measurement from 1 to 3 mm only and are surrounded by a reddish irritated skin. As the viral infection progresses which can last for up to 4 weeks during outbreaks, the blister groups will then erupt and become ulcer formation in the genital or anal areas. This is a basic symptom common to all people having genital herpes which also include muscle pain, fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes in the thigh or rectal area.
The distinct characteristic symptom that women may develop on their first herpes outbreak is the vaginal discharge and pain when urinating. The inner mucus lining of women’s genitals can also get infected once it has undergone direct contact with infected bodily fluid from her partner. Blisters and forms that are found outside the skin for both genders can occur inside the vaginal cavity for women.
For this reason, additional symptoms found only in women include anal and/or vaginal discharge and painful urination. The mucus membranes and blister formation inside a woman’s vaginanal tube can cause pain whenever urine passes through the infected area. Vaginal or anal discharges which is characterized by a clear, white or pale yellow fluid secretion from the vagina that indicates infection within the vaginal wall.
Genital herpes in women may show no symptoms aside from the painful vaginal discharge that they feel. Vaginal discharge is not only a tell tale sign of herpes virus and may be caused by other forms of STDs so check out for sores and blisters surrounding the vaginal area. If you suspect you have genital herpes, it is best to ask a physician for medical diagnosis and expert advice on treatment options for further outbreaks that may occur.
Although there is no definitive cure available for Herpes, effective treatments are available that can make coping with Herpes much easier. Find out more about our recommended Natural Herpes Treatment.