HSV type 2 is the one that most commonly causes genital herpes. The infection causes painful sores on the genitals in both men and women. HSV type 1 is the herpes virus that is usually responsible for cold sores. But HSV type 1 can cause genital herpes, and HSV type 2 can cause cold sores.
Herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person.
For example, if you have genital herpes and have sexual intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes. If you have oral herpes, you can give your partner oral herpes while kissing, and you can also give it to your partner during oral sex. Symptoms of genital herpes can vary. Not everyone who is infected has noticeable symptoms. In people who do have symptoms, the symptoms start two to 20 days after the person was exposed to someone with HSV infection.