Causes of genital herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is very contagious, it easily spreads from person to person when engaged in sex.

There are two types of HSV:

Type 1 (HSV-1) – most often associated with the development of herpetic eruptions around the mouth.
2 type (HSV-2) – is associated with the appearance of herpetic eruptions in the genital area.
Nevertheless, genital herpes can be caused by both types of HSV.

How can I get genital herpes?

Genital herpes, as a rule, is transmitted by contact with a person already infected with the virus. Mucous membranes lining the oral cavity, genitalia and anus are most susceptible to infection.

This means that the virus is most often transmitted with vaginal, anal or oral sex, close genital contact with the infected person. For example, if a person who has a herpetic eruption near the mouth, is engaged in oral sex, it can cause the development of genital herpes in his partner.

HSV can also penetrate the body through the damaged skin of other parts of the body. In this way, very rarely the virus can hit the fingers, hands, knees and other areas that come into contact with other infected parts of the human body.

Genital herpes, as a rule, is not transmitted through objects such as towels, cutlery or cups, as the virus very quickly dies outside the body. However, a person can become infected by sharing toys for sex with a person who has genital herpes.

Risk factors for infection

A person has an increased risk of contracting genital herpes if he:

Previously had sexually transmitted diseases.
I started having sex at a young age.
Engaged in unprotected sex with many partners.
Is a woman – genital herpes is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men.