The short explanation
Painful blisters that break into raw sores in the genital area are often caused by genital herpes, a common virus that passes through skin contact during sex, including oral sex. The first episode can also bring burning with urine, flu-like aches and swollen glands in the groin. Other causes include other sexually transmitted infections, irritation, or skin conditions. It is worth being seen soon, ideally while the sores are still present, because a swab from a sore is the most reliable way to confirm the cause. Treatment a clinician may suggest can shorten the episode and ease pain. It is understandable to feel frightened, but herpes is very common and manageable.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- If passing urine is very painful, pouring water over the area while urinating, or sitting in a warm bath, can help. If you cannot pass urine at all, that needs urgent care.
- Avoid sex until the sores have healed and you have been checked. Testing for other infections is often suggested at the same visit.
- Herpes can come back, but later episodes are usually milder.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This cannot confirm what is causing your sores. Only an examination and swab test can.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Can you swab the sores to find the cause?
- Should I be tested for other infections?
- What can I do for the pain while they heal?
- Does my partner need to be checked?
- What should I do if this happens again?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Get help the same day
- Get care the same day if you cannot pass urine, have a high fever, or the pain is severe.
Book an appointment soon
- See a clinician within a few days while sores are still present. Government hospital STI clinics offer confidential testing at low cost.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- You can ask for a woman doctor, and you can bring a friend or relative into the room with you if that helps.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Vaginal diseases MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Vaginal itching and discharge MedlinePlus (NIH)
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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