Have you noticed strange lesions in your genital area? Or sores around your mouth? 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.

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. Your doctor can do a test to positively identify herpes. Now, what are the signs of herpes?

The most common symptom of the disease is red bumps or blisters. They can appear near the urethra, buttocks, thighs, anus, and in other genital areas. It's even possible for women to get blisters inside their vaginas. They could also have vaginal discharge and experience pain when 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. 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 find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms along with sores in your genital area, consult your doctor.

After a first outbreak of herpes, about four in five people will suffer recurrent outbreaks. Most people will have warning signs, however, most noticeably pain in the area where they tend to develop sores. Consider these signs of herpes as a warning, and remember that you're very contagious at this time, even without the sores!