Genital Herpes Incubation Period

Most of us are well aware of the term "Sexually Transmitted Disease", or STD. It is a term used to refer to infections that have the highest probability to get transmitted from the infected person to a healthy one, by means of sexual acts. And one of the most common types of STDs that is diagnosed by doctors every year, is what is known as the genital herpes. It is common in both men and women, and true to its name, its causal pathogen happens to be the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Although, the main mode of transmission of this virus is sexual contact between people, it can also make its way into the body through small breaks such as wounds, sores, cuts or bruises in the skin, and through mucous membranes such as those in the mouth, and eyes. One important fact about this infection is that, once it invades the body, there is no cure for it. It is a long-lasting condition, that is known to make recurrences 4 to 5 times in the first two years, after the person gets infected by the virus. However, with time, the outbreak of the infection keeps on becoming less severe, and even its frequency lessens.

Genital Herpes

The term 'incubation period' refers to a period of time between a person contracting an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms. For genital herpes, this period is usually 4-7 days. However, this does not remain the same for every person who contracts the infection. For some people, the period may be a day, while for some, it may take about 26 days for the symptoms to surface. When someone contracts the infection for the first time, it is known as a primary infection. And the symptoms that occur in this case tend to be more severe than those which strike when the condition becomes recurrent. There also have been cases, wherein, some people did not complain against any abnormal symptoms for months or even years, after they got infected. So, considering this explanation, it may be concluded that the incubation period of genital herpes may vary from one individual to the other. Now signs and symptoms of an infection play a vital role in determining its incubation period. And this is no different in this case of genital herpes.

Signs and Symptoms

First Infection
When a person is infected for the first time, that is during a primary infection, the main sign is the development of painful red blisters. These occur in the genitals, rectum, thighs, buttocks and nearby areas. These blisters often burst and form open sores in these regions. And these sores may ooze or bleed.

The main signs of genital herpes in women include the formation of sores in the vaginal region, buttocks, anal region and external genitals. Blisters and ulcers may also appear in the lower part of the womb, also known as the cervix. Vaginal discharge is also common.

In men, the sores erupt in the penile region, scrotum, and the anal region. Thighs and buttock may also develop the painful sores. In some men, the infection can cause the sores to form inside the urethra as well. The urethra is the duct that is used in discharging urine.

Other symptoms that are common to both the sex may include:

• Painful urination
• Muscle and body aches
• Fever (38 °C / 100.4 °F or over)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• An overall feeling of being unwell or not being at ease

Recurring Infection
As mentioned earlier in this article, herpes infection has no cure to it. So after the symptoms of a primary infection subsides, that is, the sores scab over and heal, the virus goes into a period of dormancy; lies hidden in a nearby nerve. And there is no saying exactly when it will reactivate and travel down the nerve to the skin, and cause another infection. Some people may experience multiple outbreaks each year, while some may not have any until 40 years post the initial episode. The symptoms that occur in recurring infections are no different from what has been mentioned above. However, in this case, before the sores appear, the person may feel a tingling, burning or an itching sensation in the genital area.

As there is no cure available for genital herpes, its treatment mainly aims for symptomatic relief. Oral prescription antiviral medications are administered for the purpose of helping the sores heal faster, cutting the duration of the symptoms, reducing chances of recurrences, and minimizing the probability of transmitting the virus to others.