Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually tranmitted infection (STI) that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is very contagious and is typically spread via skin-to-skin contact, kissing, vaginal and anal sex (genital contact), oral sex (mouth to genital contact) and sharing sex toys.

There are 2 different types of HSV that cause genital herpes, HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. These viruses can also cause cold sore lesions. HSV type 1 is now the most common cause of genital herpes due to transmission from cold sores and oral sex. HSV type 2 is now less common but is more likely to be associated with recurrent infections.