Herpes symptoms in men are often quite different among infected individuals, ranging from obvious signs of infection in some, to indications so mild that they may be completely missed by others. Consequently, data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) shows that, as of January 2010, although approximately 11% of sexually-active American men between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes (HSV-2), four out of five do not know it.
Most men discover that they are infected with HSV-2 only after they’ve had an initial outbreak of painful, fluid-filled blisters and sores on their genitals. This “primary outbreak” generally occurs within two to 20 days of being exposed to the virus for the first time through sexual contact. Because research shows that fewer than 40% of newly infected men develop blisters, however, it is important to be aware of other commonly experienced herpes symptoms in men (many of which are ignored or misdiagnosed).
Because the presence of blisters on or around the genitals may not be present during a herpes outbreak, the following additional herpes symptoms in men should also be noted:
Tingling, itching or burning sensations in the genital, groin, buttocks, and thigh areas
Sudden onset of headache, fever, chills and fatigue
Discomfort during urination
Swollen lymph nodes
Dull aches and pains in the muscle tissue of the groin and lower back
The appearance of the aforementioned symptoms, within a week or so of sexual intercourse, can be an indication that the genital herpes virus has begun replicating itself near the nerve endings of the infected person. During recurring outbreaks, infected men often experience some combination of these symptoms just before the emergence of blisters and sores. As mentioned earlier, most men infected with HSV-2 do not experience an eruption of blisters and sores, so these other, less-obvious herpes symptoms in men may be the only sign that an outbreak is occurring.
If you are exhibiting any of the herpes symptoms mentioned in this article, it is advised that you consult your physician. Herpes is a highly-contagious disease that can increase the likelihood of the infected person contracting other sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/AIDS), and can also lead to severe complications in childbirth for infected women. While there is no cure for genital herpes, treatments are available that reduce the frequency and severity of future outbreaks, as well as the likelihood of infecting a partner with the virus.
Genital herpes creates physical discomfort and emotional scars for millions of those affected, and early detection of herpes symptoms in men is crucial to reducing the number of new infections. As Dr. John Douglas of the CDC stated during a 2010 conference call with national media outlets, “The message is herpes is quite common. The symptoms can be often very innocuous. Many individuals are transmitting herpes to others without even knowing it.” His colleague, Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, summed up the issue by saying, “Everyone should be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this lifelong and incurable infection.”
Sexually-active Americans have long been aware that the appearance of blisters is a genital herpes symptom in men. Increasing awareness of the infection’s other common symptoms, needs to become a public health priority if we are to one day get this viral epidemic under control.
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