Although it is often experienced by women, herpes can also be experienced by men, one of which is genital herpes. The main cause of genital herpes is the herpes simplex virus which is transmitted during sexual intercourse. What are the symptoms of genital herpes in men to watch out for?
Symptoms of herpes in men will appear within two days or two weeks after being infected with the virus. If not treated properly, genital herpes can become a complication. Therefore, it is important to recognize the following symptoms of genital herpes in men.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes in Men to Watch Out For
Early detection is important to prevent complications of genital herpes. The following are the symptoms of genital herpes in men to watch out for:
1. Flu-like symptoms
Symptoms of genital herpes in the early stages are characterized by itching in the penis which is accompanied by complaints, namely:
- Headache.
- Fever.
- Loss of appetite.
- Body aches.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
Men who experience the above symptoms generally do not realize that they have been infected with genital herpes.
2. Wounds on the skin of the penis
Another symptom of herpes in men to watch out for is the appearance of open sores that are painful and last up to four days. Gradually, a crust will appear in the wound area and it will harden. As a result, the skin looks cracked and bleeding occurs which makes the skin feel itchy, painful, dry and scaly, so that it peels off and forms new, virus-free skin. Overall, these symptoms will last for three to seven days. So that it doesn’t get worse, you are advised not to scratch, pull, or gouge the wound until it is completely healed.
3. Small spots on the penis
Small patches on the penis area are another symptom of genital herpes in men. Although small spots in the penis area can be a natural, healthy part of the penile skin and nothing to worry about, for example Fordyce spots or penile papules (PPP), you need to be vigilant if spots in the penis area are accompanied by the following complaints:
- It’s warm.
- pins and needles
- Itchy.
- Turns into a lump that causes irritation and pain.
In addition, small spots in the penis area are generally reddish in color and have a dense texture, and are filled with fluid. These symptoms may also appear on other skin areas, such as the thighs, arms, buttocks, and the area around the mouth, especially if the herpes simplex virus is transmitted through oral sex or kissing.
Management of Genital Herpes in Men
Although genital herpes cannot be cured, the symptoms can be reduced. The doctor will give antiviral drugs that aim to reduce the duration of symptoms and prevent symptoms from recurring. In addition, the use of topical creams can reduce pain.
Genital herpes in men can also be prevented by having safe sex. Here are various ways you can do it:
- Do not have multiple sexual partners.
- Do not have sex when experiencing symptoms of genital herpes to prevent transmission of the virus.
- Using a condom when having sex.
If you experience the symptoms above, immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause, so that appropriate treatment is given to reduce symptoms. Apart from being treated, this method is effective in preventing the risk of transmitting genital herpes to other people.
