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What Are Genital Herpes And What Causes Them?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals.
Alternative Names
Herpes - genital; Herpes simplex - genital; Herpesvirus 2; HSV-2
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Genital herpes is caused by two viruses:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes most cases of genital herpes. HSV-2 can be spread through secretions from the mouth or genitals.
Herpes...
Read moreMore information on "What Are Genital Herpes And What Causes Them?"
From Our Experts
Why Am I Having More Frequent Outbreaks?
I had my first HSV-1 outbreak one year and 9 months ago. I did not have any outbreaks during that time until recently when I have had... Read more »
Oral Herpes, Genital Herpes, and Celebrities (Oh My!)
There has been a lot of herpes talk in the media lately (and by “media” I mean gossip blogs and trashy online magazines) due to the... Read more »
Genital Herpes from Oral Sex?
Can I get genital herpes by having oral sex with a partner who is not showing symptoms? Because we know that people with genital... Read more »
Can I get genital herpes from a toilet seat or another inanimate
No. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) – the virus causing most cases of genital herpes – cannot survive long on a non-living... Read more »
10 Myths About Genital Herpes
Approximately 10 percent of all adults in the United States have genital herpes according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination... Read more »
From Our Sources
Genital Herpes: The Basics
What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2. Most genital... Read more »
Promising New Study Attempts to find Vaccine Against Genital H...
On June 9, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first effective vaccine against Human Papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection that... Read more »
Herpes labialis (oral Herpes simplex)
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Herpes labialis is infection of the lips, mouth, or gums with the herpes simplex virus. It leads to the development of small, painful blisters... Read more »
Genital Herpes
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
Your doctor may suspect that you have genital herpes based on your sexual history, your symptoms and the results of your physical examination. Your... Read more »
Over-the-Counter Genital Herpes Drug Introduced
Drugmaker Merix Pharmaceuticals has unveiled a new over-the-counter genital herpes drug at a trade show in Dallas, Texas. According to a company... Read more »
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