the classic symptom of genital herpes is a cluster of small fluid-filled blisters that break forming painful sores that crust and heal. this process can take several days. but some people get only a rash or small bumps on the skin that appear to be pimples. still others have different symptoms such as painful urination and some women have fluid discharge from the vagina. sores may appear four to seven days after a person is first infected. flu-like symptoms including fever and swollen lymph glands in the groin may also follow the initial infection. symptoms come and go with no set pattern. one person may have an outbreak once a year while another may have one every few weeks. before a flare-up a person may notice an itching tingling or burning sensation in the affected area and there may be sharp pains in the pelvis or down the leg. herpes sores are usually worst the first time they appear. in later outbreaks the sores tend to be less painful and last for a shorter period of time. the symptoms of genital herpes can affect any of the following places on the body: penis scrotum vulva vagina anus urethra thighs buttocks. however many people with genital herpes never have symptoms or they mistake them for another malady such as: a vaginal yeast infection jock itch insect bites hemorrhoids an ingrown hair.
what are the common symptoms of genital herpes?