This article covers the types of genital herpes discharge, other genital herpes symptoms, other possible reasons for genital discharge, when to see a healthcare provider, and diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes.
Genital Herpes Discharge
There are two types of genital herpes discharge: vaginal discharge and penile discharge.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is common. The fluid the vagina normally secretes keeps the area safe from infection and clean. It should be clear, sticky, and have a mild and mostly neutral scent.
If vaginal discharge has a noticeably unpleasant smell, especially if sores are also present, then an STI test likely is necessary.
Penile Discharge
Penile discharge or discharge from sores on the penis are signs of genital herpes. This discharge will likely have a strong smell, and soreness and pain while urinating might also occur.
There are some penile secretions that are normal. With an uncircumcised penis, a material called smegma, a natural substance meant to keep the area moist, is produced under the foreskin by glands on the head of the penis. Excess smegma, which is a result of not keeping the area clean, can eventually cause odor.
Precum, which is a liquid that is produced during sexual arousal, is also normal. Younger people with penises produce more precum than older people.
Other Genital Herpes Symptoms
Many people with genital herpes do not experience any symptoms or have very mild symptoms. It’s even possible to confuse herpes symptoms with something like genital pimples (which occur when hair follicles are clogged by oil and skin cells). Symptoms that do appear with genital herpes include:
Red blisters or sores around the anus, genitals, or thighs that might break open and scabTingling or burning around the genitalsGenital itchingPain urinatingFlu-like symptoms like headache, fever, body aches, and swollen glands
Other Possible Reasons for Discharge With an Odor
Genital discharge with a strong smell could also mean the following:
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge with a strong odor could also be a sign of:
Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An imbalance of bacteria in the vagina A yeast infection Trichomoniasis (a bacterial STD caused by a parasite) Chlamydia and gonorrhea (bacterial STDs that can be treated with an antibiotic)
Penile Discharge
Penile discharge with a strong smell might also be a sign of:
Urethritis: Swelling of the urethra, the tube that urine travels through Gonorrhea and chlamydia Acute prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland Hygiene issues
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If genital discharge has a strong smell, and especially if your condition also includes sores or bumps and pain urinating, it’s likely time to take an STI test.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider can diagnose genital herpes in one of these three ways:
Genital or genital-oral contact with an infected person (whether or not they are aware they have the virus)Sexual contact with a person experiencing an outbreakSexual contact with a person who has herpes with regular outbreaks but does not take medication to suppress the virusNot using a condom correctly or not covering up all sores and bumps with a condomMore than one sexual partner at the same time
If someone already has the herpes simplex virus in their system, risk factors for repeated infections include:
StressA compromised immune systemSmoking and alcohol useMenstrual cyclesSurgery on the genitals
Examining the sores, blisters, and other symptoms Scraping off a small part of a sore for laboratory testing Taking a blood test to look for HSV antibodies (disease-fighting proteins in the blood)
Treatment
Even during a first genital herpes outbreak, it is important to get treated with antiviral medications, even for mild cases. The risk of regular outbreaks in the future is higher with a longer or more difficult first outbreak. In rare cases, untreated herpes can cause brain disorders.
Pregnant people who get herpes are also at risk for hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. If a pregnant person is diagnosed with hepatitis and fever but does not have herpes sores, it is advised to get tested.
Three commonly prescribed antiviral medications for herpes are:
Zorivax (Acyclovir)Famvir (Famciclovir)Valtrex (Valacyclovir)
There are three ways antivirals for herpes are prescribed:
First-episode: At the onset of an outbreak to shorten its duration, usually three times a day for a week to 10 days.
Suppressive: Regular doses to suppress the virus and prevent it from spreading to others. For suppressive purposes—which means decreasing the likelihood of the spreading the disease via sexual contact by 70% to 80%—medications are taken once or twice a day.
Episodic: Antiviral medications are taken whenever an outbreak appears. This requires one to two pills a day for one to five days, depending on the medication and dose.
To manage an outbreak with or without medication, it can also help to:
Keep sores clean with plain or salt water. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to sores. Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or a pain-relieving cream on sores. Pour water over the genitals while urinating. Wash hands before and after handling sores.
Summary
Genital herpes is an STI caused by the spread of the herpes simplex virus via contact with someone who has the infection. One symptom of genital herpes is abnormal genital discharge that has a strong, unpleasant smell. Vaginal or penile discharge can also indicate other conditions, like the STIs gonorrhea and chlamydia, a yeast infection, problems with the urethra (for penises), or bacterial vaginosis (for vaginas), among other conditions.
An abnormal smell from genital discharge, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms of STDs (like pain or sores), usually calls for taking an STD test. Diagnosing herpes can include an examination and either a test of the blistered skin or a blood test.
A Word From Verywell
While an odd smell from genital discharge can seem embarrassing, it is also highly treatable. Note, though, that an abnormal discharge can be a sign of other diseases or infections. Therefore, seeing a healthcare provider is vital to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
