

These practices can reduce the risk of contracting genital herpes but cannot prevent symptoms from flaring up.

The herpes type 1 virus usually causes this condition.Īccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 776,000 people contract genital herpes each year in the United States. In contrast, oral herpes trigger sores around the mouth, teeth, or gums, often known as cold sores or fever blisters. Those with symptoms of genital herpes can encounter blisters or lesions around the genitals. Both types of herpes viruses can trigger this condition. However, some experience symptoms that may include genital herpes. Most people who acquire the herpes virus do not experience symptoms and are often unaware they have contracted it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 have the type 1 virus, while 491 million people aged 15–49 years have type 2. It primarily transmits through sexual activity.

Genital herpes is an acquired infection with the herpes simplex virus.
