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
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors

Genital Herpes Overview

Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease caused by a virus. 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. Genital herpes cannot be cured;  however, there are medications that can be prescribed to treat outbreaks and minimize the symptoms.

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

• At least 45 million Americans are infected with the genital herpes virus, with approximately one million new infections each year. As many as 80%-90% of those infected fail to recognize genital 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.

Genital Herpes Causes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is the usual cause of what most people call "fever blisters" in and around the mouth and can be transmitted from person to person through kissing. Less often, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes infections through oral sexual contact. The genital sores caused by either virus look the same.

• Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common methods of spreading genital herpes. Any type of skin-to-skin contact, however, is capable of spreading herpes.

Note: People with herpes may spread the disease even if they do not realize they have an infection. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that people with herpes can transmit infection even while their disease appears to be inactive and no sores can be visibly seen.

• Many people remember having an episode of genital herpes when it occurs. But as many as 90% of those infected fail to recognize the symptoms or have no symptoms at all. It is not clear whether these people never had an initial herpes outbreak or whether they never noticed a mild infection.
  In these individuals genital herpes is still contagious, and they may have additional outbreaks, nonetheless.