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.

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

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

(Valtrex)
Perceived effectiveness
No evaluations
Side effects
No evaluations
Total evaluations
0
Tried for
genital herpes (1)

*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 0
20s 50
30s 106
40s 120
50s 90
60s 67
70+ 18

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 140
Female 309