Symptom 3: Pain During Urination
Urinating should be a simple, pain-free process. However, for women grappling with genital herpes, this daily activity can become a source of significant discomfort. The pain experienced during urination is a direct consequence of the herpes lesions’ location. As urine passes over these open sores, a sharp, burning sensation can ensue, often described as akin to pouring acid on a wound.
This symptom isn’t just limited to the act of urination. The aftermath can be equally distressing. The acidic nature of urine can irritate the sores, causing prolonged discomfort even after completing the act. The emotional toll this takes can’t be ignored either. The dread of impending pain with each bathroom trip can lead to anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
But why does this happen? The herpes virus, upon entering the body, targets the skin and mucous membranes. The genital area, with its delicate tissues, becomes an ideal site for the virus to manifest. The proximity of the lesions to the urethral opening results in this painful interaction. (3)
