Genital herpes

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is usually caused by human herpesviruses 2 (HSV-2) but some cases are caused by HSV-1. Blister-like lesions develop in the genital area within 4-7 days after initial exposure and slowly heal over one to two weeks. The virus remains in the body and recurrent outbreaks can occur.

How do members experience genital herpes?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with genital herpes*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Are you experiencing one or more of these symptoms? Check your symptoms and clarify your options for care using

Top treatments taken by people for genital herpes*

*Data from patients with genital herpes, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Compare treatments taken by people with genital herpes*

Treatment
Perceived effectiveness
Side effects
Total evaluations
Tried for
Treatment

(Valtrex)
Perceived effectiveness
No evaluations
Side effects
No evaluations
Total evaluations
0
Tried for
genital herpes (3)
Treatment

(Zovirax)
Perceived effectiveness
for genital herpes (1 evaluation)
Side effects
dizziness upon moving
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
genital herpes (2)

*Data from patients with genital herpes, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Who has genital herpes on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 14
20s 82
30s 128
40s 127
50s 108
60s 74
70+ 26

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 163
Female 381
Learn more about our community’s experience with genital herpes.

Talk to people with genital herpes

592

592

members say they have this condition

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