If you do have sex, lower your risk of getting an STI with the following steps: The best way to prevent genital herpes or any STI is to not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you have any symptoms of genital herpes, see a doctor or nurse.
Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area.Itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area.There are other early symptoms of genital herpes: Symptoms can last from two to four weeks. The first signs of genital herpes usually show up two to 12 days after having sexual contact with someone who has herpes. Sometimes, a second set of sores appear soon after the first outbreak, and symptoms can happen again. After a few days, sores become crusted and then heal without scarring. Some women might confuse mild sores for insect bites or something else. Within a few days of sexual contact with someone who has the herpes virus, sores (small red bumps that may turn into blisters) may show up where the virus entered your body, such as on your mouth or vagina. Genital herpes also can be severe and long-lasting in people whose immune systems do not work properly, such as women with HIV. But, if you get symptoms with the first outbreak of genital herpes, they can be severe. Most women with genital herpes do not know they have it.