References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Genital herpes is a common viral STI caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), usually HSV-2 but increasingly HSV-1. It causes recurring outbreaks of painful blisters on the genitals, though many people have mild or no symptoms. There’s no cure, but antiviral treatment manages outbreaks effectively and reduces transmission. Most people with genital herpes live normal, healthy lives.
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Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause | HSV-2 (mainly) or HSV-1 |
| Transmission | Skin-to-skin contact, sex |
| Symptoms | Painful blisters/ulcers, tingling, flu-like (first episode) |
| Testing | Swab from active lesion (PCR) |
| Treatment | Aciclovir or valaciclovir |
| Cure | No — but manageable |
Outbreaks
- First is usually worst
- Recurrences become milder and less frequent
- Some people rarely or never have outbreaks
- Triggers: stress, illness, fatigue, sunlight
Transmission
- Most infectious during outbreaks
- Asymptomatic shedding also occurs
- Condoms reduce but don’t eliminate risk
- Suppressive antivirals reduce transmission
Living With It
- Very common — stigma is disproportionate
- Most people manage well
- Disclosure to partners is important
- Support available from sexual health services
Read more: What is herpes? | HSV-1 vs HSV-2 | Preventing transmission
Frequently Asked Questions
Is genital herpes serious?
Medically manageable. The stigma is often worse than the condition.
Can I still have sex?
Yes — with care, communication and sometimes medication.
Will I have outbreaks forever?
They usually become less frequent over time.
Related reading
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Cold Sores vs Syphilis Sores: How to Tell the Difference
- Genital Warts vs Herpes: What's the Difference?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
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