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. 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? 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. If you visit your doctor, he or she can positively identify what you're suffering from. But let's get down to the details on the signs of herpes.

It is most common for herpes sufferers to have blisters and red bumps. 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.

In women, the first outbreak could last a few weeks on average-- three weeks, specifically. For men the time is shorter, an average of 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. 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. However, there will usually be warning signs. The most obvious will be pain or discomfort in the areas that may develop sores. 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!