How do you contract genital herpes?

Herpes is spread by direct skin to skin contact. Unlike a flu virus that you can get through the air, herpes spreads by direct contact, that is, directly from the site of infection to the site of contact. For example, if you have a cold sore and kiss someone, you can transfer the virus to their mouth. read more

But the viruses that cause genital herpes and genital warts are different: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the virus that causes genital herpes. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes genital warts. There is no cure for either genital herpes or genital warts. read more

Similarly, if you have active genital herpes and have vaginal or anal intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes. Finally, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on your partners genitals (oral sex), you can give your partner genital herpes. read more

Still, in most cases, genital herpes is caused by the second type of herpes virus (HSV-2). HSV-2 lives in the nerves. When it's active, it travels to the surface of the infected area (skin or mucous membrane) and makes copies of itself. read more