How Genital Herpes in Women Differs From That of Men

Women are 4 times more likely to get genital herpes than men. As well, 7 out of 10 women (compared with 4 out of 10 men) have flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle pain during an initial outbreak.
Why Women Are At a Greater Risk for Getting Genital Herpes
One reason is the way we're made. Our genital area has a greater number of mucosal cells, that is, cells containing body fluids.
Another reason is our menstrual cycle. It is felt that during this cycle the hormone changes affect our immune system. A lower immune system makes it easier for the herpes simplex virus to cause an infection.
Symptoms of Herpes In Women
Women with herpes suffer some of the same symptoms as as men. An herpes outbreak starts with an itching or tingling feeling in the genital area. This is followed by redness of the skin and then the forming of blisters. These blisters are sore when touched and last longer in women than in men.
The First Genital Herpes Outbreak in Women
The first outbreak of genital herpes is the same for both men and women. However, in women this initial outbreak is more painful and lasts longer that later occurring outbreaks.
Women often suffer more severe complications and have these complications at higher rate during this first outbreak.