Herpes is caused by 2 main types of viruses. This first is the herpes simplex type 1 virus. This type usually refers to oral herpes or cold sores. The second type is known as herpes simplex virus type 2. This type usually causes genital herpes and is sexually transmitted. As of today, herpes has no known cure, but there are drug treatments to help control the outbreaks and contagiousness. A person who gets exposed to the herpes virus for the first time will experience an outbreak within 2 to 20 days of the exposure. Generally speaking, the initial outbreak is the worst and most intense they will experience. Some people will not even notice the outbreak because the symptoms they experience are minimal and unnoticeable. For females, the symptoms last for about 3 weeks. Females can experience visible symptoms outside the vagina or these signs might be hidden within the vaginal walls. It is important not to mistake the signs as a yeast infection. Some women might also get sores on their buttocks, cervix, vulva, anus and thighs.

The most evident indicator of female genital herpes is the evidence of blisters or sores around or inside the vagina. These could be anywhere from one single sore, to multiple sores. These sores are usually inflamed, red and filled with pus. Some women may also experience symptoms of headaches, back pain, low on-going fever and painful urination. It is important to have the doctor check thoroughly because the symptoms that are listed above, are also the common symptoms experienced during a common flu.

Like mentioned above, there is no known cure for herpes. People, who experience an outbreak, have an 80% chance of having less severe and shorter recurrent outbreaks in the future. Fortunately, there are treatments available to control the outbreaks and the disease spread. It is important for women to remember that even if they are not experiencing the female symptoms of the disease, as long as they are infected, they will transmit the disease to any sexual partner. Since the herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it would be advised to use protection, like latex condoms, during sexual intercourse.