Are you experiencing discomfort because of sores in your mouth or lesions in your genital area? These may be 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 a sexually transmitted disease, although it can be transmitted to the mouth during oral sexual contact, 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.

A first outbreak in women might last about three weeks, on average, and in men the average is two weeks. Women need to be aware that they could develop meningitis, a direct result of the first herpes outbreak. What are some of the other symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak? Headaches, lower back pain, muscle aches, fever, and a swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin area. 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 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!