Genital herpesis a sexually transmitted infection (STI) triggered by theherpes simplex virus (HSV).
It is most often due to HSV-2 but may also be due to HSV-1.
It is contagious and can be transmitted through anal, oral, and vaginal sex.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Where Do You Get Genital Herpes From?
A person can acquire genital herpes through intimate sexual contact with someone with the herpes virus.
This includes transmission through:
The virus can be transmitted by having contact with bodily fluids and skin.
It is not possible to get genital herpes through casual contact.
This includes:
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone who has sex is at risk of genital herpes.
However, the infection is more commonly diagnosed in certain groups.
For example, genital herpes is more common in people with a vagina than in people with a penis.
(These numbers do not account for genital herpes due to HSV-1.)
The vagina can create a riskier environment for acquiring genital herpes when compared with the penis.
Infection with HSV-2 is more common in some groups.
This rate was determined by testing blood for antibodies to the virus.
Non-Hispanic Black people are more likely to have acquired HSV-2 than non-Hispanic White people.
Genital herpes is also common in Black women.
One in two Black women has acquired HSV-2.
When Should You Get Tested?
A healthcare provider may:
How Common Is Genital Herpes?
In the United States,genital herpes is a common STI.
Risk Factors for Genital Herpes
Anyone who has sex can contract genital herpes.
But some people are more at risk of acquiring the virus.
These include:
Can You Get Genital Herpes From Someone With Cold Sores?
It is possible to acquire genital herpes by receiving oral sex from someone with a cold sore.
Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, are due to the herpes simplex virus.
There are two forms of this virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Oral herpes is most often sparked by HSV-1, and HSV-2 most often causes genital herpes.
you’re free to acquire genital herpes from someone with oral herpes if they give you oral sex.
Therefore, it is best to avoid sex of any kind if someone has a sore.
Can You Get Herpes If Your Partner Doesnt Have It?
It is possible to acquire herpes from someone who doesn’t realize they have the virus.
Not everyone with herpes knows they have herpes.
One study found that 87.4% of people with HSV-2 had never been diagnosed with herpes.
It can take weeks to years for a herpes outbreak to occur in some people.
This can sometimes make it difficult to determine where and when the herpes virus was acquired.
Using a condom correctly during sex can help prevent transmitting herpes.
However, the virus can still be transmitted from areas of skin not covered by a condom.
Summary
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Anyone who has sex is at risk of the condition.
It is highly prevalent among people aged 14 to 49 in the United States.
Seeing a healthcare provider is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis of genital herpes.
A Word From Verywell
It can be distressing dealing with genital herpes.
But remember, herpes is a common STI and isnothing to be ashamed of.
It can be transmitted during anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
In addition, it is possible to transmit genital herpes even without knowing you have the infection.
It is also important to refrain from having sex of any kind while symptoms of genital herpes are present.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes CDC fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes CDC fact sheet (detailed).
Office on Women’s Health.Genital herpes.
2018;(304):1-8.
Planned Parenthood.Living with herpes.
