Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an infection that is spread through sexual contact. It may cause skin blisters and sores in the genital area but often causes no visible symptoms. Some people may have only a single outbreak of herpes. Other people will have repeated outbreaks.

Herpes can be bothersome, but it usually doesn't cause serious problems in healthy adults.

Last Revised: December 20, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease

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