Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals, buttocks, or anal area caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV type 2. Yet as people begin to have sex at younger ages the herpes type 1 virus has increasingly been shown to also cause genital herpes.

Genital herpes is a highly contagious infection usually spread through intercourse, but it can be passed through oral or anal sex as well. Learn about it in this sexual health article.

Lots of things can increase your risk of getting genital herpes, including stress, fatigue, and being a woman. Read more.

See symptoms of herpes, genital warts, the clap, Chlamydia, scabies, HIV/AIDS, and other STDs, and get the facts on each.

Take this WebMD quiz and find out if you know the facts about genital herpes.