Herpes Discharge in men and women [with Pictures]

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease commonly caused because of the HSV1/HSV2 virus. Known for its symptoms, (with almost 100% prevalence) are herpetic blisters (which appear during breakout) on the body or genitals, which generally cause pain with their fluid-filled bumps and can break open and ooze fluid out. 

Besides its obvious symptoms which appear mostly during the breakout, herpes can also be identified from the discharge even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.

One more reason to identify herpes discharge is that it means the virus is even more contagious. Herpes can also spread through discharge and so anyone coming in contact with it (your partner) can contract Herpes.

What does Herpes Discharge look like in Men and Women?

Herpes discharge in women is different from that in men. Let’s take a look at each.

Herpes Discharge in women

Herpes vaginal discharge appears usually viscous and somewhat clear, white or cloudy fluid with a thick and chunky texture. Herpes Discharge usually accompanies either or most of these symptoms like sores(red blisters), fever, ulcer, scabs,  swollen lymph nodes in the groin, headache, muscle aches etc.

Herpes discharge in women also has a strong fishy smell. This is not completely due to the discharge itself, but its due to the reaction of discharge with the bacteria present inside the vagina. In women with Herpes, their discharge mixes with the numerous colonies of healthy bacteria called flora and change the natural smell of the vagina.

The smell can become more intense and stronger after having sexual intercourse.

This discharge may also have a small amount of blood in it. It is also common to pass discharge while urinating.

Herpes Discharge in Men

Penile Herpes caused by Herpes virus HSV1/HSV2 in men can be identified with thick and clear, white or cloudy discharge that appears at the opening of the penis head.

Penile Herpes discharge in men can be noticed distinctly when men ejaculate during sex. (refer to the picture above)

The only thing that differentiates Herpes vaginal discharge from Herpes penile discharge is the strong odor. Penile herpes discharge doesn’t have a strong, pungent smelly fishy odor. 

The genital herpes discharge symptoms in men are subtle and not so easily discoverable, so to be sure if the Penile discharge is accompanied by red clusters of blisters, itching, burning, and pain in the genital area, then it is a high possibility that the man is suffering from Herpes.

Even in men the discharge may contain blood and may come out by itself or mixed with urine (while urinating).

Also read: Transmission rate of Genital Herpes decoded.

How doctor treats Herpes outbreak?

Based on the common symptoms and the stage where your herpes lie a doctor can prescribe you 3 types of medicines. These are 

• acyclovir (Zovirax),
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex).

In severe cases, treatment may include the intravenous (IV) medication acyclovir.

How to identify Herpes?

Based on the common symptoms such as blisters on the body & genitals, discharge color, and fever you can guess that you have Herpes.

Besides, herpes is very much asymptomatic in individuals. Only 25% of initial infections are symptomatic. So, the asymptomatic people act as a carrier or help spread herpes without actually causing pain or suffering themselves.

However, for these individual, it is necessary to get tested for Herpes by testing this STD near you. So, it is always recommended to get tested for STDs every 3 months, if you are sexually active or if your partner is infected. 

References

Herpes Information by CDC: Refer to annexure 5 table 2 

Herpes WHO information: Refer to Volume IX, Book 4

Herpes Research Study: Herpes Research finding by Johns Hopkins Institute