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What symptoms appear during an initial genital herpes infection?

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sexually transmitted disease Scanning electron micrograph of the spirochete *Treponema pallidum* attached to testicular cell membranes.

An initial infection of genital herpes, primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), typically begins with pain or itching at the site of infection four to five days after exposure.1

Within one or two days, this is followed by the appearance of blisterlike lesions. In males, these commonly occur on the penis, while in females, they may appear on the labia, clitoris, vagina, or cervix. Within a few days, these blisters rupture and merge into large, acutely painful areas of denuded tissue surrounded by inflamed skin. This stage is often accompanied by intense burning, irritation, and significant discomfort during urination, particularly in females.1

Systemic symptoms may also develop, including fever, malaise, and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin. These lesions can persist for a week or more, with complete healing typically taking four to six weeks.1