There may be different kinds of herpes symptoms in women leading to different outbreaks and outcomes. It can also happen that neither women, nor men display any symptoms of the condition, or it might so happen that all the symptoms may be present, although these may be caused by other factors and diseases.

This is why it is important to find treatment and uncover the root causes if you really suffer from herpes or not.

Herpes Symptoms in WomenGenital herpes is more common in women than men with the occurrence being 1:4 in the US. The disease is often transmitted by sexual intercourse and once acquired, the virus herpes simplex stays inside the organism forever which means it is not possible to get rid of it.

The virus stays on calmly unless the symptoms are triggered by another illness, weakening of the immune system, stress or anything else. Once the virus is acquired, women usually experience an outbreak within 2 to 10 days.

Early Stages of Herpes Symptoms in Women

Before an outbreak, the following symptoms may be recorded in women:

  • A burning or itching sensation may be experienced in the adjoining areas including the legs and anus.
  • Unusual discharge in the vaginal region
  • Pressure in the abdomen and enlarged lymph nodes
  • Flu like symptoms including headache, muscular pain and fever
  • Sharp pain and difficulty during urination

Symptoms of Outbreak

In the occurrence of the actual disease, you may experience the following herpes symptoms in women:

  • Sores and blisters may appear, with the sizes varying from small pimples to large sores. With the advancing of the outbreak, the sores tend to burst, appearing in clusters or isolated. They may appear in the vagina, anus or other places.
  • Itching or burning rash
  • Sharp pain during urination
  • Discharge from vagina

Once the symptoms of herpes are noted in women, you should go for immediate treatment. If not, the frequency of the outbreaks will increase, at times even on a monthly basis. If you suffer from the above symptoms, you have high chances of contracting genital herpes.

The herpes symptoms in women may vary from one individual to another, although they are generally similar. The sores or blisters may start appearing a couple of weeks after contracting the initial infection. The virus can also be transmitted when no symptoms are present.

Treatment for Genital Herpes in Women

While herpes is incurable, the outbreaks can be controlled. Oral medications may include famciclovir (Famvir), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax). These medications prevent outbreaks as the virus does not multiply and the length of the eruption is shortened.

Despite the existence of topical agents, these are less effective and may not be used routinely. Oral or intravenous medication is more functional. While genital herpes has not been cured, you need to remember that any form of treatment works towards reducing the rigorousness and length of the eruptions.

As the initial infection with HSV appears to be extremely severe, you should go for antiviral medication. It reduces pain to a significant extent and reduces the duration until complete healing of the sores is achieved. However, the treatment of the initial infection does not seem to decrease the incidence of the recurring episodes.

The episodes of recurrent herpes are mild and antiviral medications seem to work in this regard if therapy commences immediately before the outbreak or within the first 24 hours of herpes eruption. This is why the patient should have the antiviral medication in advance.

Treatment should be started immediately when the pre outbreak tingling takes place or right when the blister is formed.

Another way of prevention is abstinence from all sorts of sexual contact. You may reduce your chances of infection by practicing monogamy and safe sex. While all women do not seem to experience recurrent outbreaks, they will experience signs to state that the time of outbreak has approached. This is usually characterized with pain and discomfort in the affected regions before the appearance of the sores.

Remember that you may carry the herpes simplex virus even if you do not display any herpes symptoms. This means you still have the virus and it is contagious. Since you can always spread it to your partner, it is best to be considerate and give in to safe sex to prevent the spread of the disease.