Genital herpes is a viral infection that can cause blisters and open sores on the genitals caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Oral herpes (also called cold sores or fever blisters) are painful blisters that form on or near the lips and inside the mouth that are usually caused by HSV-1.
Some women with herpes never have any symptoms, or symptoms may be very mild, and they may not even be aware they have the virus.
When symptoms of genital herpes in a woman occur, they may include:
- Blisters
- In the vagina or anus
- On the cervix
- In the urinary tract
- On the buttocks or thighs
- On the mouth or lips
- On other parts of the body where the virus entered
- Blisters may develop into painful open sores, which crust over as they heal
- Itching, tingling, or burning feeling in the vaginal or anal area
- Pain in the legs, buttocks, or vaginal area
- Change in vaginal discharge
- Headache
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Joint pain
- Difficulty urinating
- Painful urination
- Swollen glands
- A feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach
Symptoms of oral herpes (cold sores) may include:
- Painful blisters on the lips, mouth, nose, or throat,
- Blisters eventually open and form scabs
- Mouth and throat pain
- Neck swelling
- Fever
- Body aches
- General ill feeling (malaise)
How Is Herpes in a Woman Diagnosed?
Both genital and oral herpes are diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination. Herpes can often be diagnosed just by looking at the sores.
Tests to check for herpes may include:
- A sample of cells or fluid from a sore
- A blood sample to check for herpes antibodies
What Is the Treatment for Herpes in a Woman?
There is no cure for herpes in a woman or man, but the virus tends to cause the most symptoms during the first few years. After that, even though herpes does not go away entirely, it usually causes mild to no symptoms.
When the virus is active, antiviral medicines may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of genital herpes or oral herpes and speed up the healing of an outbreak, such as:
Home remedies to help reduce the pain of genital herpes during an outbreak include:
- Sit in a “Sitz bath” or a bathtub with warm, shallow water for about 20 minutes
- Keep the genital area clean and dry
- Avoid tight clothing
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines
For oral herpes (cold sores), treatment is usually needed the first time it occurs. People who have mild symptoms or who have had cold sores before may not need treatment.
If needed, treatment for oral herpes may include:
- Antiviral topical ointments
- Acyclovir (Zovirax ointment or cream)
- Penciclovir (Denavir topical)
- Pain-relieving pills and gels applied to the mouth, which may be available over-the-counter (OTC)
- Sucking on ice or popsicles
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https://www.uptodate.com/contents/genital-herpes-the-basics?search=herpes&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cold-sores-oral-herpes-the-basics?search=herpes&source=search_result&selectedTitle=7~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=7
https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/default.htm
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/infectiondontpassiton/womens-health-guide/stds/genital-herpes.asp