Herpes in Women: Signs, diagnoses, treatments and more

Is the risk of herpes the same for women?

No, it's higher for women than men – unfortunately the number of new cases of herpes in women is higher than in men. In 2017, there were nearly twice as many new cases in women than in men.

Symptoms that are more common in women than men– some of these signs are more common in women compared to men. For example, women are more likely to get blisters on the inside of the genitals and anus. Women are also more likely to experience pain when peeing, and an abnormal vaginal discharge.

Herpes in Women: Signs, diagnoses, treatments

The women who are most at risk of contracting herpes

  • Have had sexual contact with someone who is infected with herpes
  • Started being sexually active at a young age
  • Have had multiple sexual partners
  • Have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past
  • Have a condition that weakens the immune system, such as HIV
  • Do not use condoms correctly when having sex

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    How is genital herpes transmitted??

    >Herpes is easily spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. Genital herpes is transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. Genital herpes can be transmitted by the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus and is a lifelong condition. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days after exposure, but may range from 2 to 12 days.

    For decades, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was the primary cause of oral herpes only. However, during the last decade, the number of cases of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 has increased significantly. Many researchers believe that this is due to the fact that HSV-1 infection that is typically contracted in early childhood, has been on the decline. Because of this, many sexually active adults are now susceptible to HSV-1 induced genital herpes. 

    Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 can be asymptomatic or can even have mild symptoms that can be unrecognized. Many infected people report experiencing a tingling, itching or burning sensation before the appearance of any sores. When these sores do appear, they are characterized by one or more genital or anal blisters/ulcers that can be very painful. If these blisters open, they can ooze clear fluid and then develop a “crust-like” covering. After an initial genital herpes outbreak, symptoms may recur. Fortunately, with genital herpes caused by HSV-1, subsequent recurrences are milder and much less frequent.

    What are the early symptoms and signs of herpes in women?

    There are the most common herpes symptoms in women:

    1. Pimples—and not on your face

    Well, at least it’s not as obvious as a big zit on your forehead? These tiny blisters don’t always occur, but when they do, there’s a good chance you have genital herpes. Like any miserable pimple, they eventually crust over and scab, says Jennifer Berman, M.D., a co-host on The Doctors. “It’s not necessarily on the genital area—sometimes it’s in the crease of the underwear or closer to the buttock,” she says.

    2. A tingling sensation

    It’ll be all over the affected area: your genitals, butt, or thighs. Tingling is one of the first symptoms of herpes in women, so if you just feel weird down there, take note, says Leone.

    3. Irritation or itching in your lady parts

    “Sometimes women ignore this because they’ve been exercising or wearing yoga pants, and they just assume the itching or irritation is from wearing tight clothing,” Berman says. In reality, that sensation is often a symptom of genital herpes in women.

    4. A flu-like feeling

    Blah. About 70 percent of women feel like they have the flu, with a headache, muscle aches, fever, and swollen glands during their first herpes outbreak, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Of course, you might actually just have the flu (congrats?), which is why it’s always good to get checked out.

    5. A dull, aching pain in your pelvis

    If you’re spotting between periods, grimacing during sex (never good), or noticing weird-for-you discharge, you might have cervicitis—a fancy way of saying your cervix is inflamed. It’s caused by a number of STDs, including herpes, and will go away when the underlying infection is treated, says Berman.

    6. Painful pee

    When pee splashes on a herpes ulcer or blister, it can burn, according to the Mayo Clinic. That’s just not pleasant, so get to a doctor and find out what’s wrong.

    Genital herpes test for women

    There are several different ways that genital herpes can be diagnosed in women and it depends on the stage of the exposure. A blood test is available for diagnosis and can be completed prior to any physical symptoms appearing. If physical symptoms do appear, an evaluation can be done by a general health provider or gynecologist.

    Genital herpes is usually diagnosed based on a physical exam and the results of laboratory tests, including:

    Read more about HSV-1 & HSV-2 testing.

    Is herpes treatment the same for women?

    There’s no difference in the treatment of herpes for men and women= – herpes breakouts are treated with antiviral medicines. Also, women and men respond in the same way to herpes treatment. People who receive antiviral medicines should find that their symptoms resolve more quickly and do not become as severe. Antiviral herpes treatment includes:

    To get herpes treatment – you can make an appointment with your GP or a sexual health clinic. Once a diagnosis of herpes is made, you can receive your supply of antiviral medications at a pharmacy once a doctor writes you a prescription.

    Is there a cure for genital herpes?

    Unfortunately, there is no cure for HSV-1 and HSV-2.Because of this, you should be aware of how to prevent, identify, and treat outbreaks. Prevention is the biggest key when it comes to avoiding the infection and the possible complications associated with herpes simplex virus.

    If there is a current outbreak (oral or genital), skin-to-skin contact should be avoided. This includes kissing, and any unprotected sex, including oral sex. If you know that you are infected with herpes simplex, even without visible symptoms, the virus can be passed to the other person. Because of this, you should take precautions every time you engage in sex.

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    How does herpes affect things like birth control?

    Herpes shouldn’t affect how your birth control works. However, we recommend that you don’t have sex if you have an active herpes outbreak, even if you use a condom. This is because herpes is the most contagious when genital sores are present.

    Hormonal birth control may make you more infectious – however, some research has found that people who use hormonal forms of contraception are more likely to have shedding of the herpes virus. Shedding is when the herpes virus is present on the skin, but not causing any symptoms. This means you may be more likely to pass on the virus to a partner. We do not recommend that you stop hormonal contraception because of the link to herpes, but we do recommend that you use a condom to help prevent catching or passing on the herpes virus.

    Herpes also doesn’t cause any changes to your periods – although, some women may find that they are more prone to an outbreak a week or so before your cycle begins. Although herpes does not directly affect your fertility, it can in some cases make conceiving more difficult. For example, we recommend that partners abstain from sex if one of them is having an active outbreak. So if you’re trying to conceive, it may take a longer period of time. It’s also important that herpes infections are closely monitored and managed if you do become pregnant, because of the possible risks to the baby.

    Have herpes & feel alone? Meet nearby people with herpes

    positivesingles

    PositiveSingles is one of the most popular dating websites for people suffering from herpes and other STD. It was initiated in 2001. With 1,510,800+ members you are sure to find lots of potentail people around you.

    Join and meet nearby people with herpes, browse profiles and chat now!

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