Definition of Genital herpes:

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the skin of the genitals.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Herpes is caused by two viruses:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)

HSV-1, the virus responsible for common cold sores, can be transmitted through fluids from the mouth. It is responsible for some cases of genital herpes cases. HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex.

HSV-2 causes most of the genital herpes cases. HSV-2 can be spread through secretions from the mouth or genitals.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is spread from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact. The virus is shed from visible sores, blisters, or a rash during outbreaks, but can also be shed from the affected area between outbreaks of symptoms.

HSV is transmitted to the area of skin with which it comes into contact. There are also some cases by which other types of contact can spread HSV. For example, a variant of herpes, known as herpes gladiatorum, can be passed on during body contact sports, such as wrestling.

Because the virus is transmitted through secretions from the mouth or genital tissue (mucosa), common sites of infection in men include:

• Anus
• Inner thighs
• Scrotum
• Shaft and head of the penis

Common sites of infection in women include:

• Anus
• Cervix
• Inner thighs
• Labia
• Vagina

The mouth can also be a site of infection in both sexes.

Research suggests that the virus can be transmitted even when there are no symptoms present, so that a sexual partner without obvious genital herpes sores can still transmit the illness. In fact, asymptomatic spread may actually contribute more to the spread of genital herpes than do active sores.