Herpes Symptoms in Men - Things You Should Be Aware Of
Herpes symptoms in men differ among individuals, as some having active and visible signs and others are asymptomatic. One out of 10 men in the United States suffers from herpes and more than two thirds of the cases are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 or genital herpes. More than a half of men also do not know they have genital herpes since they do not have any signs and symptoms. This is the reason why there is a high prevalence of the disease– having sexual intercourse unknowingly that they carry the disease. Herpes symptoms in men are readily visible once they occur because they are usually confined on the outer portions of the genitals.
Most common Herpes Symptoms in Men
First appearance of symptoms termed as outbreak happens 2 to 20 days after the exposure to an infected individual. The basic herpes symptoms in men are the development of blisters on the genitals especially on the glans penis and shaft. Other areas include the anorectal area, inguinal area and urinary meatus (opening of the urinary tract). The blisters appear reddish during the initial phase of the outbreak then become an open sore. The infection progresses and the blisters produce discharges that are infectious and the virus can be transmitted to another person by way of an open skin or wound. It turns into scab and heals within 20 days. The healed lesion leaves a reddish discoloration in the skin. Aside from the classical sign of herpes that is blisters, other herpes symptoms in men include:
- Burning, tingling and numbing in the genital area as an early sign of symptoms outbreak
- Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes
- Fever, body malaise, headache
- Discharges that could be non-foul smelling or foul smelling depending on the severity of infection
- Pain upon urination because of blisters in the urethra
- Muscle aches and back pains relating to infection of the sensory nerves around the lumbar area.
Once herpes symptoms in men appear, the person could have several outbreaks throughout his life. It becomes a lifelong disease with periods of latency or remissions, which means that the individual will not have signs and symptoms of herpes. Recurrence from herpes occurs most often in men rather than in women. This is for the fact that lifestyle related triggers are most often present in men such as alcoholism and smoking which lowers down the immune system.
Herpes symptoms in men usually present a prodrome or warning sign when they have outbreaks. A patient may feel pain and itching on the genitals which signals the development of another batch of symptoms.
Since it is a lifelong disease, men infected with herpes can spread the disease throughout their life even during remissions where there are no symptoms. Because of this, the primary prevention for the spread of infection is through safe sex practice and use of barrier methods. However, this does not provide 100% protection from spreading the disease as other modes of transmission such as kissing may spread herpes simplex virus type 1. Herpes symptoms in men are manageable and can be controlled by medications such as anti viral creams or oral medications prescribed by a physician.
