Herpes...I think my husband has herpes!!!

[2deprived]

We've been married for many years and I would like to think that we have both been faithful to one another. But just last night he was looking at something on his penis that looked kind of like a redish, blisterish blemish.

What do herpes look like? What are the symptoms? And does this mean he is/has cheated on me? Can you only get genital herpes by having sexual intercourse? * * Or is it possible to get it for no reason at all? Please help! Thanks!

[Cornelius111]

No you don't get herpes for no reason whatsoever. This is taken from www.herpes.com:
The virus starts to multiply when it gets into the skin cells. The skin becomes red and sensitive, and soon afterward, one or more blisters or bumps appear. The blisters first open, and then heal as new skin tissue forms. During a first outbreak, the area is usually painful and may itch, burn or tingle. Flu-like symptoms are also common. These include swollen glands, headache, muscle ache or fever. Herpes may also infect the urethra, and urinating may cause a burning sensation.
Transmission is caused by close oral, anal, or genital contact, including intercourse, masturbation, kissing, or any direct skin-to-skin contact which allows for the transfer of bodily fluids.
A person is considered contagious when prodromal symptoms, active sores, and healing lesions are present.
Herpes is potentially contagious when no symptoms are present. That is, a person who has genital herpes is potentially always shedding active virus.
Approximately 1 in 6 members of the general infected population is thought to shed active virus occasionally without symptoms:
Some people do not get typical blister-like sores but harbor active virus in their saliva, vaginal, or penile secretions, and can shed the virus without knowing they have herpes.
Lesions can occur deep inside the vagina where they cannot be seen or felt, but can readily transmit the virus.

[Cornelius111]

Given this information I would recommend that both you and your husband go and get tested.

[archer]

Herpes sounds real nasty!!!!!!

[?wiseman?]

Herpes IS really nasty and you should both be tested to make sure. To answer your other question tho, No, it does not mean that your husband has been unfaithful. Herpes cycles and can go long periods of time, even years I think, without a flare-up.

Also, a simple "fever blister" is a form of herpes.

[Rawbob]

Hi:

I just checked the internet and found ALOT of info on genital herpes. If you're afraid your husband has herpes, check this site out. WARNING: THIS SITE CONTAINS EXPLICIT PHOTOS OF GENITAL HERPES INFECTION:
http://www.genitalherpes.com/info....tos.jsp

Go to GOOGLE and type in GENITAL HERPES.

[LittleFury]

Just in case, I would suggest you both take the test, you know, to be on the safe side.
And here's some info on herpes.
http://my.webmd.com/hw....3CA348}
if this doesn't work, then just go to WebMD and search for herpes.
I would however suggest seeing a doctor and taking the test before starting to really freak out. And I would cut him off until then Just to be on a safe side.

[LovinIt]

Before you jump to any conclusions, have him get checked out by the family doc. Men (presumably women too?) can sometimes develop painful red bumps that have NOTHING to do with STDs!

Usually, the doc will recommend a warm tea bag on the sore - the warmth and tannin helps draw up the sore and heal it. My husband gets these on occasion and it is NOTHING to worry about. Don't assume the worst!! Especially given that your husband was looking at it himself and must have brought it to your attention somehow, it is unlikely that it resulted from an extramarital encounter.

[WallyLlama]

Thanks to LovinIt for providing a voice of reason and calm! As a society, we do seem to be developing a propensity for paranoia and fear, a little of the Chicken Little Syndrome.

Note that I'm NOT suggesting there's no reason for concern or that a trip to the doctor isn't in order. But I also would not immediately conclude that he's been unfaithful and now both partners are part of a herpes epidemic.

Medical information is widely available on the Internet. Medical advice should still come in person from a professional.

[monie]

Can genital herpes look like cystic acne on the labia?