Genital Herpes

Collage of a couple and images of herpes simplex virus. Most people infected with genital herpes do now know they have it.

Genital herpes is a common STD, and most people with genital herpes infection do not know they have it.

  • You can get genital herpes even if your partner shows no signs of the infection.
  • If you have any symptoms (like a sore on your genitals, especially one that periodically recurs) laboratory tests can help determine if you have genital herpes.
  • There is no cure for herpes, but treatment is available to reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of transmission to a partner.

CDC Fact SheetView Fact Sheet »
Signs, symptoms, transmission, treatment, prevention and more.

What You Need to Know About Genital HerpesExternal Web Site Icon – Video by Dr. Robyn Neblett Fanfair, Medical Officer in the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, summarizes important facts about genital herpes, including information on how herpes is spread, symptoms of the infection, and ways it is treated and prevented. (April 30, 2013)