Genital Herpes I

Incurable STDs - Infections

Genital Herpes I

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2)

1. What is it?
Genital herpes is a viral infection causing painful blisters. It can be transmitted by sexual contact and thus can affect the sex organs (genitals), the rectum, and the skin around it.

2. What causes it?
Genital herpes is usually caused by the
Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2). Increasingly, it is also caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) which is otherwise known for producing cold sores around the mouth (oral herpes). Oral intercourse can transmit both types of viruses.

3. How is it transmitted?
The herpes virus can be transmitted through any contact with herpes sores or blisters and even through contact with apparently healthy skin. In fact, many infected people have no visible sores and are unaware of their infection. These “shedders” shed the virus without knowing it. Depending on the form of sexual contact, the virus may affect the mouth, the penis, the scrotum, the vulva, the inner thighs, and the anus with its surrounding areas. The virus can also be spread by simply touching the herpes sores and then touching and infecting the eyes, the lips, and other  parts of the body. Fortunately, since the virus cannot survive very long outside the body, it vcannot be transmitted through towels,.bed sheets, clothing, toilet seats, etc. However, a mother can pass the virus onto her baby during pregnancy or at birth.

[Course 4] [Description] [How to use it] [Introduction] [Curable STDs] [Incurable STDs] [Genital Herpes I] [HPV I] [HIV/AIDS I] [Hepatitis B I] [STD Prevention] [Additional Reading] [Examination]