Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which also causes herpes on the face (in the form of cold sores).

There are two types of the herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Both types can affect the genitals and the face.

• Type 1 is more likely to cause herpes on the face, such as cold sores around the mouth, and
• Type 2 is more likely to cause herpes on the genitals, such as blisters on the penis or vulva (entrance to the vagina).

Around 80% of people with genital herpes never know that they are carrying the virus because there are often no symptoms (or very mild symptoms which are almost unnoticeable, such as a slight itchiness or red patch of skin in the genital area). This means that many cases of herpes go undiagnosed. However, even with no symptoms, it is possible to pass genital herpes on to a sexual partner because the virus may sometimes be present in your genital area.