Genital Herpes Symptoms in Men & Its Recovery, Identification & Cure

Radhakrishnan is a 40-year-old man, who was feeling drastically uncomfortable over a few days. He then realized his core issue was boils and sores in the genital area. Suspecting an infection, he consulted his doctor and came to know that he was suffering from genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection or STI. 

Is something similar affecting you too? There are similar and different Herpes symptoms in men and Herpes symptoms in women. You should first learn more about the disease before taking action to combat it accordingly.

Learning More About Genital Herpes

While understanding genital herpes symptoms is crucial, you should know that it is an STI (sexually transmitted infection). It leads to painful fluid-filled sores, bumps, and blisters which may break open periodically, leading to an eruption of fluids as a result. The HSV-1 variant leads to cold sores, although it may lead to genital herpes in the future as well. At the same time, the HSV-2 variant usually leads to genital herpes although it may cause cold sores too.

This virus enters the human body via mucous membranes or skin abrasions. The former are viruses which are thin tissue layers lining the body openings and are found throughout the mouth, nose, and genitals. Once the viruses enter the body, they integrate into the cells. These viruses usually keep multiplying or adapt easily to their environments, making their treatment tougher than usual. HSV-1 or 2 may be discovered in body fluids like semen, saliva, and vaginal secretions. 

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Some of the genital herpes symptoms include sores and blisters which start appearing a few days after the virus comes into the body. It may however take a longer time to appear as well. Some of the symptoms for men include blisters or sores on the scrotum, penis, or buttocks. Some symptoms for women include sores near the anus, buttocks, and vagina.

Generic symptoms include the following: 

1. Blisters appear on the lips, mouth, face, and any other zone.
2. The area with the condition starts tingling or itching beforehand.
3. Open sores that are oozing fluids.
4. Body ache, headaches, and fever.
5. Swollen lymph glands.
6. Crusts over the sores.

Herpes In Men

Males are less likely than females to get genital herpes. According to the CDC, approximately 16% of females and 8% of males aged 14–49 years are infected each year.

HSV 1 Symptoms In Male

There are 8 HSV symptoms in males-

1. Urination Problem
2. Fever
3. Tiredness
4. Red Blisters
5. Pinching Pain
6. Headache
7. Itching
8. Irritation

Visiting The Doctor

You should instantly contact the doctor if you are pregnant and witness symptoms of genital herpes. Usually, tests are not recommended if you are not displaying symptoms. If you do have them, then you should visit your doctor for a diagnosis and future treatment strategies. Doctors can diagnose the condition through examinations of the sores in question. Laboratory tests may be required at times for confirming the diagnosis. 

Blood tests are also helpful in diagnosing any such virus before you witness a rapid outbreak. However, doctors do not always recommend any testing for HSV-1 or 2 if you have not got full exposure to the virus and are not showing any visible symptoms. You may also consider getting a home testing kit for the condition. 

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Treatment for Genital Herpes

You may consider antiviral drugs as prescribed by your doctor, that help greatly in healing and reducing painful scores. Medication may be consumed whenever there is an outbreak and any other symptoms like itching, tingling and so on. This will help greatly in lowering overall symptoms. Those who suffer from outbreaks may also be prescribed specific medication for making the experience less painful and combating any such recurrences in the near future. 

You should also use a cleanser of a mild nature while showering with warm water. Always keep the affected zone dry and clean. Wear cotton apparel which is loose in order to enhance comfort. 

Risk Elements That Should Be Noted

You will naturally have higher risks of contracting genital herpes in case of the following scenarios: 

• Anal, vaginal or oral sex with someone who is already infected. 
• Lower immunity for combating any infections owing to any other illness, condition or sexually transmitted infection (STI). 
• If you are not using condoms or other protective barriers while engaging in sexual intercourse with your partner. 

Keeping Genital Herpes at Bay

There are several methods that may help you possibly ward off genital herpes. They include the following: 

• Barriers and methods such as condoms whenever there is any sexual intercourse. 
• Avoiding sex with anybody showing symptoms of herpes. Genital herpes is infectious and may be passed onto a partner, even without the presence of external symptoms. 
• Always have safe and protected sex especially if you have multiple partners. This will anyway keep STIs at bay successfully. 
• There is no permanent cure for genital herpes although doctors are already working on a future vaccine for the condition. 
• Doctors will prescribe suitable medication for helping relieve and manage genital herpes. 
• These diseases usually stay within the body until there is any specific trigger, such as tiredness, stress, or sickness. 

The Bottom Line

Always consult your doctor for the best possible treatment plan in this regard. Genital herpes is not something to be taken lightly. Take proper medical treatment and care of your internal hygiene.