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First outbreak:

When there are symptoms, the first outbreak of genital herpes usually appears within 2 to 20 days after infection. The most common symptom is a cluster of sores (or "lesions") that appear on the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, buttocks or (rarely) elsewhere on the body. They start as small pimples or blisters that soon become open, painful sores. The sores usually heal in about 2 to 3 weeks, although the virus stays in the body.

During this time, people may also feel:

pain or discomfort around the genitals, buttocks or legs
swollen lymph nodes in the groin
itching or burning while urinating
constipation or difficulty urinating
flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache or body aches)

Symptoms of the first outbreak are usually more severe than later outbreaks.

What are the signs and symptoms of the first outbreak of genital herpes?

Some people experience very mild genital herpes symptoms or no symptoms at all, so they don't even know they are infected. However, for many people the first outbreak is often the worst, and genital herpes symptoms can be quite painful.

The main signs of genital herpes are sores around the vagina, on the penis, or near the anus. Sometimes genital herpes sores appear on the scrotum, buttocks, or thighs. The sores may appear about 4 to 7 days after infection. They usually begin as a rash of red bumps. The bumps then turn into blisters. It is common for the blisters to open up, sometimes causing severe pain. In time, the sores will scab over and heal. The first outbreak of genital herpes usually lasts 10 to 20 days until healing is complete.

During the first outbreak, many people have other genital herpes symptoms:

	Swollen glands in the groin
	Discharge from the vagina or penis
	Painful or difficult urination
	Fever
	Headache
	Muscle ache

More women than men report severe herpes symptoms, especially during the first outbreak.

Other Symptoms with the First Genital Herpes Outbreak
In addition to a rash in the genital area, women can also get swollen lymph nodes in the groin and burning with urination. Complications of the first outbreak in women include difficulty urinating in 10 percent to 15 percent of women and meningitis, an inflammation of the fluid surrounding the brain in up to 1 out of 4 women.

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