STIs

Genital herpes

AlsoHSVherpesherpes simplexHSV-2HSV-1herpes simplex virusHSV2herpes outbreak

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Genital herpes is a common, lifelong viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can cause recurring blisters or sores but often goes unnoticed.

At a glance

  • Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2.
  • It spreads through skin-to-skin contact and can pass on even when no sores are visible.
  • Many people carry the virus and never notice an outbreak.
  • Later outbreaks tend to be milder and less frequent than the first.
  • There is no cure, but antiviral medicine shortens outbreaks and can lower the chance of transmission.

In detail

Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact with the affected area, including during vaginal, anal and oral sex, and can pass on even when no sores are visible.

The first outbreak can involve painful blisters, tingling and flu-like symptoms, while later outbreaks tend to be milder and less frequent. Many people carry the virus and never notice an outbreak.

There is no cure, but antiviral medicine shortens outbreaks and can reduce the chance of passing the virus on. Herpes is very common and, for most people, a manageable skin condition rather than a serious health threat.

In a sentence

  • She told her new partner about her genital herpes and explained how she manages it.
  • The doctor said genital herpes is very common and, for most people, a manageable skin condition.

Where the word comes from

"Herpes" comes from the Greek "herpein", meaning "to creep", describing how the sores seemed to spread across the skin.

Not to be confused with

  • Genital warts

    Genital warts are caused by HPV, a different virus, and look like small growths rather than blisters.

Common questions

Can genital herpes be cured?

No, the virus stays in the body for life. Antiviral medicine can shorten outbreaks and reduce the chance of passing it on, and for many people outbreaks become rarer over time. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.

Can you pass on herpes without sores?

Yes. The virus can be active on the skin without visible sores, which is called viral shedding. This is why many people get herpes from partners who did not know they had it. Condoms and antiviral medicine lower, but do not remove, the risk.

Related terms

Sources

  1. WHOHerpes simplex virus fact sheet
  2. NHSGenital herpes
  3. Planned ParenthoodHerpes