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Genital Herpes
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Sexual Health Issues

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a lifelong viral infection that can cause painful sores, though many people experience mild or no symptoms at all.

Overview

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause sores on your genital or rectal area, buttocks, and thighs. You can get it from having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has it. The virus can spread even when sores are not present, and mothers can infect their babies during childbirth.

Symptoms & Outbreaks

Symptoms of herpes are called outbreaks. You usually get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. The sores are blisters which break and become painful, and then heal. Sometimes people do not know they have herpes because they have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. The virus can be more serious in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.

Repeat outbreaks are common, especially during the first year. Over time, you get them less often and the symptoms become milder. The virus stays in your body for life.

Diagnosis & Treatment

There are tests that can diagnose genital herpes. There is no cure, but medicines can help lessen symptoms, decrease outbreaks, and lower the risk of passing the virus to others.

Prevention

Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daily suppressive antiviral therapy reduces viral shedding. Use condoms correctly every time you have sex. Discuss your status with your partner and consider regular STI testing to stay informed.
Newborns may show fever, irritability, poor feeding, seizures, or skin lesions within the first week of life. If congenital herpes is suspected, seek immediate medical care; early antiviral treatment (acyclovir) is critical for better outcomes.
Outbreak frequency varies; many people have several in the first year, then fewer and milder episodes over time. Daily oral antiviral medication (e.g., valacyclovir) can reduce the number and severity of outbreaks and lower the chance of spreading the virus.
During an outbreak, avoid all sexual contact until sores have fully healed to prevent transmission. Even when no sores are visible, the virus can still be shed. Using condoms consistently and taking daily antiviral therapy can reduce but not eliminate the risk.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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