Genital herpes stages
“Once you get infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2, you have it for life,” says Dr Ann. “After your first outbreak, it can ‘flare-up’ at different times, when certain triggers can bring on symptoms.”
Some people get these flare-ups a lot, others not so often. Here’s what you need to know about the stages and what to expect.
Symptoms during the first outbreak
“The first outbreak of genital herpes is usually the worst,” says Dr Ann. “As well as blisters, you may have flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches and pains, fever and headaches.”
Between 2 and 12 days after you’ve been infected, you might notice:
- small red bumps that may turn into blisters at the point where the virus entered your body – such as your vagina, mouth or anus. These sores can then crust over and heal without leaving a scar
- another outbreak of sores between 5 and 7 days after the first outbreak
- vaginal discharge that’s not normal for you
- itching or burning around your genitals, anus or thighs
- pain or burning when you pee or poop, or trouble peeing
- swollen lymph nodes in your groin
- a feeling of pressure in your abdomen
The first outbreak may last 2 to 4 weeks, before the blisters heal and the virus ‘retreats’ into your nervous system. It then stays there until another outbreak is triggered.
Symptoms during recurrent outbreaks
Recurrent outbreaks are usually more frequent during the first year after you’re infected.
These are usually less severe than the first outbreak, and don’t last as long – experts say recurrent outbreaks should only last between 3 and 7 days. You may also have fewer outbreaks as time goes on.
- triggers for outbreaks may include stress, being out in the sun, illness, smoking, drinking and your period
- you may get a ‘warning sign’ a few hours before an outbreak, such as tingling in your lower back, hips, thighs, buttocks or genitals. These symptoms are in places where you get outbreaks. This is sometimes called a ‘prodrome’. If this happens, you can start taking medication to help make the outbreak less severe
- you’re more likely to get blisters in the same place as your first infection – the same group of nerves is connected to your genitals, anus, buttocks and thighs, so blisters tend to appear in those areas
What does it feel like to have genital herpes?
Because genital herpes isn’t curable, some women find it affects their confidence and self-esteem. But knowing the facts can help to remove the stigma that’s still sometimes attached to having an STD.
“In my case, getting correct information absolutely transformed my life,” says Marian. “You will find all the facts are totally in your favor. It isn’t something that damages your health. Your body cures itself. Each outbreak goes away with or without treatment. But, just like thrush or chickenpox or glandular fever, it can reappear from time to time… No one suggests you are dirty to carry these ‘germs’.”
Read more women’s stories about what it feels like to have an STD, including genital herpes.