Have you noticed strange lesions in your genital area? Or sores around your mouth? These may be signs of herpes. Herpes occurs in two forms: Herpes Simplex Type 1, oral herpes (cold sores); and Herpes Simplex Type 2, genital herpes. Genital herpes is obviously a sexually transmitted disease. However, bear in mind that you can get herpes through oral sex, too.

But really, how do you know for sure if these unpleasant sores are actually symptoms of herpes, or something else? A lot of times, especially where women are concerned, genital herpes is misdiagnosed as something else. A yeast infection, for example, or boils, or even pelvic inflammatory disease. If you're not sure, it's a good idea to do some research on this disease. Your doctor can do a test to positively identify herpes. Now, what are the signs of herpes?

Red bumps and blisters are a very common symptom of herpes. They can occur in all genital areas, as well as near the urethra, anus, thighs, and buttocks. It's even possible for women to get blisters inside their vaginas. They could also have vaginal discharge and experience pain when urinating.

A first outbreak in women might last about three weeks, on average, and in men the average is two weeks. As a result of the first outbreak, there are women who could develop meningitis. Other symptoms of an outbreak of genital herpes include swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, headaches, muscle aches, fever, and lower back pain. Consult your doctor if you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, such as sores in your genital area.

Approximately four in five people who experience one outbreak of herpes will suffer from recurrent outbreaks. Most people will have warning signs, however, most noticeably pain in the area where they tend to develop sores. Consider these signs of herpes as a warning, and remember that you're very contagious at this time, even without the sores!