Genital Herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease, which is more common in women than men. Although it does not have a cure presently, it can be managed and controlled by those who are infected. The cause of this disease is the Herpes Simplex Virus, which is spread through sexual contact, and stays in the infected person throughout their lives. Some people recommend the use of condoms to prevent the spread of this virus. However, it has been found that it can be transmitted even through saliva. At the same time, recurrences of the disease are known to happen even after forty years!
Symptoms usually occur within two weeks of being infected and, even if no symptoms are observed, the virus can be transmitted to another person. In some cases, there would be no symptoms after the first outbreak, causing the infected people to assume that the symptoms they experienced were due to some other infection. It is vital that men who suffer from the symptoms of genital herpes visit a doctor promptly. Immediate treatment, a healthy diet, and the right supplements are needed to manage the disease and combat the discomfort associated with genital herpes in men. The only means of prevention of genital herpes is to avoid sexual promiscuity. Read on to know symptoms of genital herpes in men.
Signs & Symptoms Of Genital Herpes In Males
Pain & Itching
The first sign of genital herpes is pain, along with itching. These symptoms could begin either within a few days or after a few weeks of the sexual contact with an infected partner. Initially, the genital area will begin to itch. Further to this, tiny blisters will begin to appear in the anal or genital areas. In some cases, they could also appear simultaneously on the buttocks or thighs.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin area occur with genital herpes. These usually appear at the onset of the itch and pain in the genital area, just as with any other type of infection.
Sores
A couple of days after the initial pain and itching, the sores begin to appear in the form of red bumps. These can appear on the shaft and head of the penis, scrotum, thighs, and buttocks. They usually occur in clusters.
Ulcers
Within just a few days of appearance of the sores, they usually rupture and turn into bleeding, oozing ulcers. Along with these ulcers, there would be tenderness in the penis and genital area and pain while urinating. After some time, scabs will form over the ulcers and they will begin to heal. It has been noticed that illness, sex, medication, surgery, and stress are triggers to fresh outbursts; causing the ulcers to open up and either ooze fluid or bleed. If left untreated, they will take ten to fourteen days to heal.
Discharge
In some cases of genital herpes, there is a yellowish discharge from the head of the penis as well.