Genital herpes is the most common sexually transmitted infectious disease characterized by ulceration in the population.
It can affect both men and women (more often), is transmitted by direct contact during unprotected sex with an infected partner, and is highly contagious.
The viruses that can cause genital herpes are herpes virus type 1 or type 2 (HSV 1 or 2), but in most cases HSV 2 is the origin of the disorder.
HSV 1 can cause genital herpes primarily as a result of unprotected oral intercourse with a partner harboring the virus in the oropharynx, while HSV 2 can cause herpes in the mouth as a result of unprotected oral intercourse with a partner harboring the virus in the genital area.