Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that is caused by two types of viruses, herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Most often, herpes appears in the mouth or genital area. Herpes simplex type 1 primarily causes oral and perioral herpes, while herpes simplex type 2 mainly causes genital herpes. Most people with oral herpes have no symptoms. Infection is usually acquired in childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva. Oral herpes, caused by HSV-1, can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. For this reason, some cases of genital herpes are due to HSV-1. Infection with the herpes simplex virus can occur through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Infection with genital herpes can also be observed through contact with a partner who does not have a visible wound or does not know that he is infected Herpes cannot occur as a result of contact with toilet seats, mats or swimming pools. Infection will also not be observed after touching objects such as silverware, soap or towels. Genital herpes may have no or very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions such as pimples or ingrown hairs. For this reason, the infection often remains undetected. Herpes symptoms usually go away on their own, but they can recur. These may include the appearance of small blisters that burst, leaving red, open sores around the genitals, anus, thighs or gluteal area. They may take a week or more to heal. After infection, flu-like symptoms can also be observed – chills, body aches or swollen lymph nodes. As a result, the appearance of numbness, burning or itching around the genitals, the appearance of an unusual discharge, as well as pain when urinating is possible. Lowering the risk of genital herpes infection can be achieved with long-term monogamy with a partner who does not have herpes, as well as using condoms during sexual intercourse. However, not all cold sores appear in areas that a condom can cover, and the skin can shed the virus from areas that do not have a visible cold sore. For these reasons, condoms do not completely protect against infection. References: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/ https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/genital -herpes