Men’s and women’s herpes symptoms can vary, but most people have no signs or have very mild ones. In some cases, the herpes virus can go away completely, without causing any symptoms at all. Others will have herpes outbreaks that can last a few weeks. They can also recur for months or even years. People with a weak immune system are more likely to get herpes, and they may also have more severe herpes symptoms. This includes people with HIV/AIDS and those taking certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause blisters and sores in different parts of the body, including the mouth, genital area, anus, penis, scrotum (balls), buttocks, or inner thighs. It is very common, and most people know someone who has it. Symptoms usually appear in groups of itchy and painful blisters. They can show up in the vulva, scrotum, and anus in men, or the vagina in women. During an herpes outbreak, these blisters may break and form open sores.
People can also have herpes sores in other places, such as the lips or eyes. These can be more serious, and can lead to blindness or eye infections. Herpes can also go into the bloodstream and cause inflammation of the brain, called encephalitis. This can be very serious and needs to be treated immediately.
When herpes is active, the virus causes itchy and painful blisters in and around the genital area. These blisters can be in the vulva or scrotum in women, and the anus, penis, rectum, buttocks, or thighs in men. The herpes viruses can remain in the body for a long time, and may only come out to cause sores infrequently. The sores are usually more intense during the first outbreak. Over time, outbreaks tend to be less frequent and are usually less severe.
Having herpes does not affect your ability to have healthy children. However, if you are infected with herpes and you become pregnant, you should tell your health care provider right away. Having herpes during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, including a miscarriage and passing herpes to your baby. There are medicines that can help treat herpes during pregnancy, and prevent the herpes from spreading to your baby.
You can reduce the chance of getting herpes by avoiding skin-to-skin contact and using condoms during sex. If you do have herpes, it is important to use protection with every sexual partner.