Are you experiencing discomfort because of sores in your mouth or lesions in your genital area? These could very well be the signs of herpes. Herpes comes in two different forms. The first is Herpes Simplex Type 1, oral herpes that reveals itself in cold sores. Then there's Herpes Simplex Type 2, otherwise known as genital herpes. Although genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, oral herpes can be transmitted to the mouth when it comes to oral sex.

So, how do you know if the sores you're experiencing are due to herpes or something else? Often, especially in women, genital herpes is misdiagnosed as a yeast infection, boils, or pelvic inflammatory disease, so it's a good idea to read up on the disease if you're unsure of your diagnosis. See a doctor, who can accurately test for and identify herpes. But what are some of the signs of herpes?

Red bumps and blisters are a very common symptom of herpes. They can appear near the urethra, buttocks, thighs, anus, and in other genital areas. Women can even have the blisters inside their vaginas, as well as vaginal discharge and pain while urinating.

The first outbreak could last somewhere around three weeks for women, on average. For men, they can expect to endure it for two weeks. Some women will also develop meningitis as a result of their first outbreak. What are some of the other symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak? Headaches, lower back pain, muscle aches, fever, and a swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin area. If you have any of these symptoms at the same time as sores in your genital area, see your doctor.

After a first outbreak of herpes, about four in five people will suffer recurrent herpes outbreaks. Most people will usually experience warning signs. The most noticeable will be pain in the areas where sores tend to develop. The signs of herpes are a warning. Please keep in mind that you're very contagious during this stage, even if you don't have any sores to show for it!