Does genital herpes cause vulval pain?

Genital herpes can cause clusters of blisters that break into shallow ulcers. These areas may sting, burn, itch, or hurt when urine or clothing touches them. Some people also notice tenderness, swollen groin glands, or flu-like symptoms around an outbreak. Symptoms can vary between outbreaks, and some people have few visible changes.

Vulval pain has many possible explanations, including irritation, thrush, skin conditions, inflammation, or another infection. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause, so an examination and sometimes a swab are useful when herpes is suspected.

Arrange a sexual-health or primary-care assessment if pain is new, sores are present, or a sexual partner has herpes. Antiviral treatment may shorten an outbreak or reduce recurrences when prescribed. Keep the area gently clean, avoid fragranced products, wear loose cotton underwear, and avoid sex while sores or pain are present.

Do not scratch, squeeze, or apply wart treatments to vulval sores. Wash your hands after touching the area, and tell current or recent partners if a clinician confirms herpes so they can discuss testing and prevention.

Seek prompt care if you cannot pass urine, pain is severe, sores are spreading, or you feel very unwell. Contact a clinician quickly if you are pregnant and have new genital sores, because herpes around childbirth needs specific planning.

Could this pain be herpes or another condition? Should a sore be swabbed? When should treatment start? How can I reduce transmission to a partner? What should I do if symptoms return?