What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that affects approximately 8.2% of men between the ages of 14 and 49. Two viruses can cause genital herpes: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) What are the symptoms of genital herpes? Symptoms of genital herpes often start very mild. It is easy to be confused with small pimples or ingrown hairs. Herpes lesions appear as small, red bumps or white blisters. They can appear in any area of ​​the genitals. If one of these blisters is ruptured, it may be seen that a painful ulcer forms in its place, which may leak fluid or cause pain when urinating. As the ulcer heals, it forms a crust. The patient should resist the urge to pick at the scab, which would only irritate the area more. When the ulcer heals, a scab forms. It is important not to irritate the herpes sore. Other potential symptoms of genital herpes include: Genital itching; Pain in the genitals; Flu-like symptoms that include body aches and fever; Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area. Does genital herpes always cause symptoms? Both viruses can be spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person who has the virus. There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are therapies that can help control symptoms. Genital herpes does not always cause symptoms. A man may not even know he has herpes until you pass it on to someone else or get tested. If the patient has had herpes in the past and follows a treatment plan, there will be periods of time without any symptoms. These are known as latent periods, but this does not mean that the virus is no longer there. In the latent period, the infection can also be transmitted to other people, although the risk is lower. Bibliography: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Genital herpes: CDC Fact Sheet Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). Genital herpes