2 Types Of Herpes Discharge: What to Know

Medically reviewed on Nov 17, 2023 by Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• Male vs. Female Herpes Discharge
• Other Symptoms Of Genital Herpes
• What STIs Have Discharge As A Symptom?
• How Is Genital Herpes Contracted?
• Genital Herpes Diagnosis And Treatment
• Find More Sexual Health Resources With Everlywell
• Related Content

Nearly 12% of Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 are estimated to have type 2 herpes (HSV-2), or genital herpes infection.[1] One of several well-known sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital herpes, is unique because it’s often “asymptomatic,” presenting with no observable symptoms.2 To that end, it can be difficult to diagnose early unless you regularly test for STIs.

For both men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), genital sores are the most common observable genital herpes symptoms. Discharge is less common, but irregular vaginal or penile discharge can be an important clue in identifying whether or not you’re infected.

If you’re concerned that your discharge habits have changed due to a genital herpes infection, we’ll compare penile discharge vs. vaginal discharge below. We’ll also cover several other STIs that cause abnormal discharge and discuss what to expect when it’s time to reach out to a healthcare provider.

Male vs. Female Herpes Discharge

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that’s most commonly spread during sexual activity. In the family of STIs, the herpes simplex virus is unique for two key reasons:

1. Many people with herpes do not exhibit any symptoms. Or, the herpes virus’ symptoms they have aren’t very noticeable. [1]
2. Herpes is a lifelong condition. While herpes and [herpes outbreaks](https://www.everlywell.com/blog/virtual-care/how-long-does-a-herpes-outbreak-last) can be managed with antiviral medication, the herpes virus cannot be fully cured. [1]

Herpes is often mistaken for a dermatological condition because its main symptoms are vesicles—lesions or sores on the skin.1 These most often appear on, around, and inside the [1]:

• Genitals
• Urethra
• Anus and rectum
• Mouth

In women and people AFAB, vesicles can also crop up inside the vagina and cervix, making them difficult to see. They look like small blisters that can burst into an ulcer, especially if they’re physically touched, causing soreness and pain. [1]

A rarer symptom of herpes is discharge. Discharge can basically be divided into two types: penile discharge in men and people AMAB, and vaginal discharge in women and people AFAB.

What Kind Of Vaginal Discharge Could Indicate Herpes?

If you have female sexual anatomy, your menstrual cycle has likely taught you what healthy vaginal discharge looks, feels, and smells like. “Normal” discharge typically carries [3]:

• A mild odor
• A neutral color, usually clear or white
• A fairly uniform consistency. For example, discharge during the ovulation phase appears to have a uniformly “egg white-like” texture for many women.

Infections like genital herpes upset your vaginal ecosystem and can impact your discharge. While herpes discharge can look different for different people, the biggest changes you’re likely to notice are [2]:

• Volume – Your vagina may produce more discharge than usual.
• Odor – You may notice a foul-smelling odor in your discharge.
• Location – Discharge may come from the urethra, where urine comes out—not only from the vagina.

Discharge is an important part of how the vagina keeps itself clean.3 If you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge, it could indicate the presence of herpes or another infection like [4]:

• Trichomoniasis
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Yeast infection

Noticing any sudden or persistent changes to your vaginal discharge is a strong cue to reach out to a trusted healthcare provider. [3]

What Kind Of Penile Discharge Could Indicate Herpes?

Like women, the most obvious symptom of genital herpes in men is herpes outbreaks in the form of sores on the penis.

Sometimes, herpes-related discharge can stem from these lesions, which can rupture and “leak” or “ooze” fluids. Sometimes—particularly after the virus is first contracted—these can bleed, creating the appearance of bloody discharge. Penile discharge may also carry a strong or unusual odor. [5]

Generally, any discharge coming out of the penis is a sign of infection. The only exceptions are sexual secretions, like ejaculate or pre-seminal fluids (“precum”).5 Penile discharge could be a sign of genital herpes, but it may also be a symptom of conditions and STIs like [5]:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Urethritis
• Foreskin infection

If you notice penile discharge, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Other Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

As mentioned, herpes can be very difficult to catch if you don’t regularly test for STIs. Some other symptoms that may occur with an initial herpes outbreak include [2]:

• Itchiness around the genitals
• Soreness or pain around the genitals or affected area [1]
• Pain during urination
• Flu-like symptoms (including fever, headache, achiness, and swollen lymph nodes around the groin)

Some people who have herpes also notice sharp, shooting pains in their genitals or lower body a few hours or days before another herpes outbreak.2 Read our guide to answer: “How long does a herpes outbreak last?”

What STIs Have Discharge As A Symptom?

If you’re wondering about recent changes to your discharge habits, consider a sexual health screening. An STD test can be an important tool for identifying whether you have an STI. Unlike type-2 herpes, many other STIs are curable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. [6]

The following STIs—all of which are curable—may also cause vaginal or penile discharge.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can result in greater amounts of discharge in women, and abnormal penile discharge in men.6 If you’re a person AFAB with chlamydia, you may also notice spotting between menstrual cycles. [6]

Other possible symptoms of chlamydia include [6]:

• Pain during urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain during sex
• Testicular pain, for people AMAB

Like herpes, however, chlamydia may also occur with no noticeable symptoms. [6]

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that frequently occurs alongside chlamydia. It may cause vaginal or penile discharge, though gonorrhea can also be asymptomatic. [7]

Gonorrhea discharge may be [6]:

• Bloody, murky, or milky-looking
• Mild yellow or green (in men and people AMAB)
• Thick in consistency

In women, gonorrhea may also cause menstrual cycle changes: heavier periods or spotting between periods are both common.6 In men, it can also cause testicular swelling. [7]

In both sexes, gonorrhea may be accompanied by genital itchiness and painful urination or bowel movements. [6]

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis or “trich” is an STI caused by a parasite that affects the urethra or genitals.6 Trichomoniasis discharge, which can affect both sexes, may be [6]:

• Clear or white
• Mild yellow or green
• Foul or strong-smelling

Genital itchiness, painful urination, and pain during sex can also be symptoms of trichomoniasis. [6]

How Is Genital Herpes Contracted?

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Kissing
• Sharing personal care products with someone who is infected (e.g. razors)

Genital herpes may also be passed from a pregnant mother to her child during labor.1 It’s most communicable when an infected person is having an active outbreak. [1]

Genital Herpes Diagnosis And Treatment

Current health statistics indicate that women and people AFAB tend to contract genital herpes more often than men.1 However, if you’re sexually active, you can still be at risk for genital herpes, no matter your sex or gender.

The primary method healthcare providers use to diagnose genital herpes is sexual health testing, which may screen:

• A tissue sample from a herpes sore to test for the virus
• Your fluids to detect for the antibodies your body makes to protect you from the virus

Treatment for herpes typically involves a combination of:

• Medication – Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to reduce your symptoms and the duration of your active outbreaks. Suppressive antiviral medication may also reduce the number of outbreaks you have over the course of your life.
• Lifestyle changes – Because herpes is highly transmissible, it’s important to learn more about the virus to help keep your sexual partners safe. Using condoms, prioritizing sexual hygiene, and communicating with your partners are all key to managing herpes, reducing rates of transmission, and maintaining a healthy sexual life.

In the US, in particular, having herpes carries a large amount of unfair cultural stigma. For this reason, many healthcare providers recommend counseling to assist with what can be a difficult health diagnosis.

While genital herpes is a chronic condition, both its severity and symptoms can be managed with antiviral medication and consistent care.8 By educating yourself and your partners and prioritizing your sexual health, it’s more than possible to live a fulfilling life—sexually, and overall. [2]

Find More Sexual Health Resources With Everlywell

Sexual healthcare is personal. With Everlywell, you can test for more than 6 common STIs without scheduling an in-person visit with your healthcare provider, or you can receive STD treatment online by speaking with a clinician.

Whether you’re worried about a specific condition like trichomoniasis or just want a concrete survey of your sexual health, every Everlywell at-home test is screened by CLIA-certified labs and physician-reviewed to ensure you receive trustworthy results.

Browse our complete Sexual Health test collection to start prioritizing your sexual health and overall well-being.

Related Content

How Long Does A Herpes Outbreak Last?

Genital Herpes vs. Pimple: Symptoms & Treatment

How Long Do Genital Warts Last?

References

1. CDC. STD Facts - Genital Herpes (Detailed version). CDC. Published 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htmURL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.
2. Mayo Clinic. Genital herpes - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2017. URL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.
3. Staff familydoctor.org editorial. Vaginal Discharge - Causes and Prevention. familydoctor.org. URL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.
4. Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Colors, What’s Normal & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. URL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.
5. Penis discharge | Penile and testicular problems. www.qld.gov.au. Accessed October 31, 2023. URL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.
6. Common STD Symptoms. Mayo Clinic. Published 2018. URL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STD Facts - Gonorrhea. CDC. Published 2019. URL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STD Facts - Genital Herpes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 2019. URL. Accessed Sept 20, 2023.