Genital Herpes
Alternate Terms:- Herpesvirus 2
- HSV-2
- Herpes Simplex Genital
Genital herpes (also called HSV infection) is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that may cause skin blisters and sores in the genital area, but often causes no visible symptoms.
It is possible to get genital herpes through sexual contact with an infected person even if he or she has no symptoms. After a person is infected for the first time, HSV stays in the body for life. While some people may have only a single outbreak of herpes, other people will have repeated outbreaks. Medicine can reduce the number and severity of herpes outbreaks, but it cannot cure the infection.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated: May 25, 2007 | |
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise discalims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.