Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV.

There are two types of HSV, HSV type 1 and 2, and both can cause genital herpes.

HSV type 1 usually causes oral herpes and affects the mouth and face. Common symptoms are cold sores and fever blisters.

HSV type 2 usually infects the genitalia and perineal regions. Symptoms may include:

A rash, bumps, blisters, or sores in or around the genital area.
Itching, burning, tingling, or swelling in or around the genital area
Burning and/or pain when urinating
Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, and swollen glands in the groin
These symptoms are frequently recurring in infected persons at variable intervals.

Genital herpes is most often spread through sexual contact.