Herpes symptoms in men are often quite different among infected individuals, ranging from obvious signs of infection in some, to indications so mild that they may be completely missed by others.
Consequently, data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) shows that, as of January 2010, although approximately 11% of sexually-active American men between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes (HSV-2), four out of five do not know it.
For many men, the discovery that they have been infected with the genital herpes virus comes in the form of a painful, primary outbreak of sores and blisters in the groin area and on the genitals themselves.
This, often-traumatic, event, typically occurs two to 20 days after having acquired the virus from an infected sexual partner.
Medical researchers believe that as few as 40% of new cases experience this outbreak, however, making it vital for sexually active men to look for the other common signs that an infection has taken place.
The following represents a list of commonly experienced herpes symptoms in men during an outbreak (regardless of whether or not blisters are present):

• Tingling, itching or burning sensations in the genital, groin, buttocks, and thigh areas
• Sudden onset of headache, fever, chills and fatigue
• Discomfort during urination
• Swelling of the lymph nodes (usually in the throat or groin)
• Unusual muscle aches or sharp, shooting pains (particularly in the groin and lower back)

In cases where a genital herpes infection is present, the sudden appearance of these symptoms (particularly within three to five days after sexual intercourse) indicates that the HSV-2 virus has begun replicating itself near nerve clusters under the skin.
Men who suffer from outbreaks of blisters and sores will generally experience one or more of these symptoms just prior to the appearance of ulcers.
Because the majority of those infected with the HSV-2 virus do not develop blisters or sores, however, these often-overlooked herpes symptoms in men may be the only indication of an outbreak.
Should you realize that you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article, it is recommended that you discuss them with your doctor.
The genital herpes virus is highly-contagious, and infection not only dramatically increases your chances of contracting other sexually-transmitted diseases (HIV/AIDS in particular), but is also known to cause risks to infected women during childbirth.
There is no vaccine or cure available for the HSV-2 virus, but treatment can lessen both the severity and likelihood of future outbreaks, while simultaneously reducing the risk of you passing the virus on to others.
Early identification of herpes symptoms in men is important to not only preventing further spread of the virus, but to also helping millions of Americans already infected deal with the emotional and physical suffering that often accompanies the disease.
In the words of Dr.
Kevin Fenton, Director of the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, "Everyone should be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this lifelong and incurable infection".
The CDC's Dr.
John Douglas went a step further during a 2010 press conference, stating, "The message is herpes is quite common.
The symptoms can often be very innocuous.
Many individuals are transmitting herpes to others without even knowing it.
" The need to help the public accurately identify all herpes symptoms in men has become a priority for the U.
S.
health community.
It is only through improved education that we can hope to eventually help infected men from unknowingly spreading the virus.
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