Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Theherpessimplex virus (HSV) is a commonsexually transmitted infection(STI) affecting more than 400 million people worldwide.It has two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both can cause an outbreak of genital sores, but HSV-2 is considered genital herpes.
Women have a higher rate of contracting genital herpes than men for a few reasons. First, it’s more easily transmitted from men to women during penetrative sex. Around 8% of men age 14–49 have HSV-2 infection, while twice as many women of the same age group—about 16%—test positive.
This article will explain common genital herpes symptoms in women, its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Hispanolistic / Getty Images
Genital Herpes in FemalesMen are more likely to be asymptomatic and may not be aware they have genital herpes. This contributes to higher transmission rates from men to women.About 1 in 5 women experience infection compared to just 1 in 10 men.
Genital Herpes in Females
Men are more likely to be asymptomatic and may not be aware they have genital herpes. This contributes to higher transmission rates from men to women.About 1 in 5 women experience infection compared to just 1 in 10 men.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes in Women
Genital herpes outbreaks in women can range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe. Some women don’t even know they have the virus, but it can still be passed.
It’s essential to bring up any unusual skin changes or symptoms with your healthcare provider. Once a person has become infected with herpes simplex virus, it lives in the nerve cells for life regardless of the presence of symptoms.
Outbreaks
The most common symptom of genital herpes in women is a change in the genital or rectal skin, also known as anoutbreak. The first signs of genital herpes usually show up two to 12 days after having sexual contact with someone who has herpes.Around 572,000 new genital herpes infections are documented in a single year.
Outbreaks can show up in areas including:
Outbreaks can last anywhere from two to four weeks.Not all genital herpes outbreaks look the same, though. Some common skin changes include:
Typically, the lesions start out as fluid-filled blisters that break and turn into painful ulcers, which may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial infection. These usually heal more quickly in future outbreaks.
A mild outbreak may be mistaken foringrown hairs, an insect bite, orpimples.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms are typically experienced during an initial outbreak and taper off over time.Other symptoms of genital herpes in women include:
If you have symptoms or suspect you’ve been infected with genital herpes, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, who candiagnosea herpes infection. They may also run other STI tests simultaneously. The two main types of tests are:
Female Genital Herpes Treatment
Unlike some other STIs, like chlamydia, HSV lives in the body forever. There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are management strategies. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and treatments.
Suppression Therapy
While these medications may help reduce outbreaks and transmission to sexual partners, they do not completely prevent the virus from spreading, so other precautions can be used to reduce the risk of transmitting it to your partner.
Home Remedies
Home remediesdon’t alter the course of an outbreak, but they can make you more comfortable and prevent infection of open sores. These include:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies
Look for topical treatments that contain lidocaine or benzocaine, as they have a numbing effect and can help reduce the sensation of itching and pain. Also, consider oral pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), which can help ease the pain of an outbreak and reduce swelling.
There are a few realistic ways to practice safe sex, whether you’re infected with herpes or not. Since women are more susceptible to the virus, it’s essential to take extra precautions when engaging with a new sexual partner. If you choose to engage in sexual intercourse, you expose yourself to potential STIs. Remember that not everyone who has herpes is aware of it.
Prevention includes:
Summary
Women have a higher rate of contracting genital herpes than men because it’s easily transmitted from men to women during penetrative sex. Men are also more likely to be asymptomatic. There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments in the form of anti-viral mediations, home remedies, and practicing safer sex.
A Word From Verywell
Get comfortable talking about STIs, educating yourself about safe sex practices, and understanding your body. Sexual literacy is crucial for a safe, fun, and thriving sex life. For those not currently infected, remember that not everyone who has herpes is aware of it.
If you choose to engage in sexual intercourse, you expose yourself to potential STIs. If you’ve been diagnosed, allow yourself to feel all of the emotions arising but know that herpes is just a virus and does not define you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA few other conditions have similar symptoms as genital herpes. This can lead to confusion and a potential misdiagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections can cause itching, swelling, and in rare cases, sores or blisters in the genital region. Other STIs like human papillomavirus (HPV) or syphilis can also be mistaken for genital herpes.Genital herpes is more common in women. Around 8% of men have HSV-2 infection, while about 16% of women test positive.Herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact, putting women at a higher risk during sexual intercourse.That depends on whether you’re experiencing an outbreak. If you currently have blisters or sores, a healthcare provider will gently take a swab (sample) of fluid and test it. If you suspect you have herpes but are not showing symptoms, a blood test can help identify the virus.
A few other conditions have similar symptoms as genital herpes. This can lead to confusion and a potential misdiagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections can cause itching, swelling, and in rare cases, sores or blisters in the genital region. Other STIs like human papillomavirus (HPV) or syphilis can also be mistaken for genital herpes.
Genital herpes is more common in women. Around 8% of men have HSV-2 infection, while about 16% of women test positive.Herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact, putting women at a higher risk during sexual intercourse.
That depends on whether you’re experiencing an outbreak. If you currently have blisters or sores, a healthcare provider will gently take a swab (sample) of fluid and test it. If you suspect you have herpes but are not showing symptoms, a blood test can help identify the virus.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Groves MJ.Genital herpes: a review.AFP. 2016;93(11):928-934.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
Sauerbrei A.Herpes genitalis: diagnosis, treatment and prevention.Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016;76(12):1310-1317. doi:10.1055/s-0042-116494
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.Genital herpes.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Genital Herpes - Women’s Health Guide.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Genital Herpes.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Genital herpes.
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al.Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1
UpToDate.Patient education: Genital herpes (beyond the basics).
Mailoo VJ, Rampes S.Lysine for herpes simplex prophylaxis: a review of the evidence. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16(3):42-46.
MedlinePlus.Genital herpes - self-care.
Meize-Grochowski R, Shuster G, Boursaw B, et al.Mindfulness meditation in older adults with postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized controlled pilot study.Geriatr Nurs.2015 Mar-Apr;36(2):154–60. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2015.02.012
Magaret AS, Mujugira A, Hughes JP, et al.Effect of Condom Use on Per-act HSV-2 Transmission Risk in HIV-1, HSV-2-discordant Couples.Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62(4):456-61. doi:10.1093/cid/civ908
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
