Does Herpes Cause Vaginal Discharge?

Key takeaways:

• Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that causes an outbreak of painful blisters on your external genitalia.
• Symptoms include pain and a white discharge, beginning anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks after sexual contact with someone who has the virus.
• There is no cure, but the severity or frequency of flare-ups can be decreased with the help of antiviral medications.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus, most commonly type 2 (HSV-2). There is also a type 1 (HSV-1), which is associated with mouth lesions, or cold sores.

Type 1 is mostly transmitted through oral contact. Type 2, however, is acquired through contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores, or fluids of an infected partner, causing painful genital blisters.

Type 1 and type 2 (oral vs. genital herpes) are misleading labels. HSV-1, while mainly spread via mouth sores, saliva, or skin, can still be transmitted to the genitals through oral-genital contact. People who have the herpes virus without symptoms, silent carriers, can still spread it. The greatest risk of transmission is when there is an outbreak of sores.

Does herpes change vaginal discharge?

Yes, the herpes virus can cause changes in vaginal discharge, but they may not be glaringly obvious. In fact, herpes-related discharge may look very similar to your normal vaginal discharge, as it appears thick and clear, white, cloudy, or watery. It is most likely to occur when you’re experiencing an outbreak of blisters from a type 2 herpes infection.

Normal vs. abnormal vaginal discharge

A normal vaginal discharge is clear, filmy, or white and can vary in its consistency. You may also see some pink- or red-tinged discoloration right before your period.

You should consider your discharge abnormal anytime it looks, smells, or feels different from what you’re normally accustomed to. You are the best judge of what is normal for your body.

How herpes can change vaginal discharge

Because vaginal discharge from herpes may be similar to your natural vaginal discharge, you’re more likely to notice a change from another STI, like bacterial vaginosis (BV). There may be some subtle changes from what you normally expect, so it’s important to know what to look for.

Color

A discharge associated with herpes can be clear, yellow, or white, with varying degrees of cloudiness in between. It could be blood-tinged (pink or red) if raw blisters bleed.

Texture

The discharge that accompanies a herpes flare-up may be watery, but it can often have a thick, clotted, or chunky texture.

Odor

Because herpes infections can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, it may cause a fish-like smell, especially noticeable after sex. BV can make vaginal discharge white or gray.

Amount

The amount of discharge can vary from scant to substantial, especially with BV.

Other symptoms of herpes

Aside from a change in vaginal discharge, there are other symptoms of a herpes infection to look for.

Recurrence

Although herpes symptoms usually resolve in two weeks, the virus remains in your system. It can travel along sensory nerves and erupt again on the skin. In fact, recurrence is a primary concern with herpes, as is the pain it causes.

Acquiring other STIs

Studies have shown that, besides BV, those with type 2 herpes are three times more likely to contract HIV—the virus responsible for AIDS.

Painful urination

Painful urination, called dysuria, implies there are lesions where your urine exits (your urethra). It can also be caused by urine making contact with genital lesions.

Bleeding between periods

There can be noticeable blood in your discharge between periods due to the inflammation of the genital skin (labia) from the blisters. Additionally, the pain and stress caused by outbreaks can negatively impact your normal menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods.

Other common causes of a change in vaginal discharge

A change in discharge does not always point to a herpes infection. Unexpected colors, smells, and textures can be caused by a number of factors, some more serious than others.

Bacterial vaginosis

BV is seen more frequently in those with type 2 herpes infection. This causes a gray, itchy, frothy discharge with a fishy smell.

Trichomoniasis, also known as trich

Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasite that causes a yellow or green frothy discharge that can smell like fish. It can also cause itching, burning, and redness of the genitals.

Bacterial infections

Besides STI infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia, other bacteria from the anus or foreign objects (such as a forgotten tampon or condom) can multiply and cause vaginal infections.

These infections can cause dark, bloody, or pus-filled discharge. Pus is usually white, but can also appear yellow or brown. Such discharges are foul-smelling and distinct.

Read our guide on STIs and vaginal discharge for more.

How to tell if a change in vaginal discharge is caused by herpes

It’s impossible to tell from discharge alone if it’s the result of genital herpes. However, if a change in vaginal discharge occurs during a flare-up, you can reasonably assume the two are related.

When you should see a doctor about a change in vaginal discharge

If you suspect a change in your discharge is due to an infection or STI, speak to your doctor about possible causes and treatments. Because type 2 herpes infections increase your risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV, it’s important to get tested.

Some symptoms are more urgent than others. Here’s when to see a doctor and when you should seek emergency care.

You should see a doctor if:

You experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• A change in the look, consistency or smell of your normal vaginal discharge.
• Other symptoms that lead you to suspect an STI.
• Irregular periods or bleeding.
• Painful urination or intercourse.

You should go to the emergency room if:

Seek immediate medical attention if, in addition to symptoms like those above, you experience:

• A fever.
• Severe pain.
• Pelvic, abdominal, or back pain.
• Painful lymph nodes in your pelvic area.
• Nausea.
• Mental or cognitive changes.

Questions to ask your doctor about a change in vaginal discharge

• How will you diagnose the cause of my unusual discharge?
• What are my treatment options?
• Should I inform my partner of my diagnosis?
• What if I’m pregnant or plan to be?

How a doctor may help treat vaginal discharge from herpes

There is no cure for herpes, but you can still manage the virus with antiviral medications. Lessening the recurrence or severity of flare-ups, when successful, will also lessen its discharge.

Oral antiviral medications

When looking to manage a herpes infection, a doctor may prescribe one of the following antiviral medications to be taken orally:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir

Intravenous (IV) antiviral medication

This is commonly used for those hospitalized with a serious herpes infection that causes fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and severe pain from widespread blisters. It’s also used when there is concern about possible complications in patients with pneumonia, meningitis, or hepatitis. IV treatment is usually followed by continued oral antiviral medications.

Non-prescription options

In addition to antiviral medication to manage herpes flare-ups, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help ease symptoms. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps calm inflamed lesions, whereas acetaminophen is a general pain reliever.

Frequently asked questions: herpes and vaginal discharge

For those with a herpes infection who experience a change in vaginal discharge, some common questions may arise:

Is a canker sore the same as a cold sore from HSV-1?

No. A canker sore inside the mouth is an immune response to injury, stress, or even nutritional deficiencies. It is not caused by a virus and is not contagious.

How long does vaginal discharge from herpes last?

It can last as long as the herpes symptoms do—anywhere from two days to two weeks.

How can you treat or stop vaginal discharge from herpes at home?

You cannot stop it altogether if you have an infection. However, aside from prescribed medication, there are some things you can do to help lessen discomfort during a flare-up:

• Sit in a warm bath for at least 20 minutes a few times a day to help ease itching and pain. Be sure not to share towels with others when experiencing sores.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and breathable underwear to avoid friction and trapped moisture.
• Avoid washing your genitals with vaginal hygiene products, soap, and shower gels, as these can cause further irritation and dryness, exacerbating symptoms.

Even if the discharge is due to BV, home remedies should not replace prescribed antibiotics and antivirals.

Final thoughts: herpes and its complications

A type 2 herpes infection can change your discharge, but so can the BV for which you’re at higher risk. Discharge from herpes may not always be distinct, so it’s important to pay attention to all symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary. As always, you are the expert on your body, so only you can determine when your discharge is abnormal.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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