When to worry about painful urination with genital herpes

Genital herpes can cause blisters or open sores around the genitals. Urine touching these sore surfaces may burn, even when the bladder and urethra are not infected. Tender skin, itching, tingling, and swollen glands can accompany an outbreak. Other causes, such as a urinary infection or another sexually transmitted infection, can occur at the same time, so a new or unusual symptom deserves an examination.

Arrange a prompt appointment, especially if this is your first outbreak or sores are worsening. Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose clothing, and avoid picking the sores. Passing urine while pouring lukewarm water over the area may reduce contact with irritated skin. Avoid sexual contact while sores or warning sensations are present, and ask about antiviral treatment, which works best when started early.

Seek urgent care if you cannot urinate, have severe genital pain, fever with worsening illness, rapidly spreading sores, severe headache, or confusion. Contact a maternity or urgent-care service promptly if you are pregnant and have new genital sores or painful urination. Do not wait for an outbreak to settle if symptoms are preventing drinking, sleeping, or normal activities.

Ask whether the sores need a swab, whether urine or sexual-health tests are also appropriate, and whether antiviral medicine could help. Ask how to protect partners, how to care for the skin, and which changes mean you need review.