Genital herpes

Key facts Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. It may cause small ulcers or blisters, and stinging or tingling in the genital area, but some people don’t have any signs or symptoms. You can prevent passing on genital herpes if you have it, but you may not know you have it if you don’t have symptoms. If you have genital herpes, you can take antiviral medicines to help your sores heal more quickly, and make the flare-up shorter and less severe — medicines will also reduce your risk