10 Symptoms of Genital Herpes in Women: Identifying and Managing the Tell-Tale Signs

Symptom 6: Headaches

For many women, the onset of genital herpes can be marked by unexpected and sometimes severe headaches. While not directly linked to the genital region, these headaches are the body’s systemic response to the viral invasion. The immune system, when combatting the herpes simplex virus, triggers an inflammatory response throughout the body, and this inflammation can manifest as headaches.

The type of headache experienced can vary widely. Some women report a dull, persistent ache, while others describe sharp, throbbing pains. It’s not uncommon for these headaches to be accompanied by other flu-like symptoms, forming a constellation of systemic symptoms indicating the herpes virus’s presence in the body.(6)