Genital Herpes

• Genital Herpes Overview
• Genital Herpes Causes
• Genital Herpes Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Genital Herpes Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medications
  • Learn more about medications like acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir) on RxList.com.
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors
• Related genital herpes articles:
  Genital herpes - on WebMD
  Genital herpes - on MedicineNet

Genital Herpes Overview

Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease. It is transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of small ulcers (open sores) on and around the genitals in both men and women. It cannot be cured, only controlled.

• Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely because it is so contagious. Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms themselves of active infection.

• As many as 50 million Americans are infected with genital herpes, with 1 million new infections each year. As many as 80-90% of those infected fail to recognize herpes symptoms or have no symptoms at all.

• The highest rates of infection are seen among the poor, those with less education, those using cocaine, and those with many sexual partners.