Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually, HSV-2. One in five Americans 12 and older has genital herpes. Antiviral medications help the symptoms, but can't cure the disease. People who have one painful skin outbreak of genital herpes almost always have other outbreaks. If you have genital herpes, even if you don't have blisters or sores, you can spread the infection during sex. And if you have genital herpes and have sex with a person who is infected with HIV, your chances for catching HIV increase. Most people with genital herpes (HSV-2) don't know they are infected. When symptoms are present, they often include blisters or sores in the genital area. Infected people can also have pain and burning when going to the bathroom.