Herpes simplex type 2 causes genital herpes . Both viruses are passed from one person to another by close body contact. Genital herpes is commonly passed on by sexual contact with a person who has the ulcers or blisters of herpes on, inside or around the penis, vagina or anus. Although genital herpes is usually caused by type 2 herpes simplex infection and lip cold sores by type 1 infection, ten percent or more of herpes infections at these sites are caused by the other virus.
Infection usually follows four to five days after contact with either type of herpes virus.
Herpes is highly infectious just before and during blistering and ulceration and for about a week thereafter. However, there can still be some shedding of the virus even when a person is free of symptoms. An outbreak of genital herpes usually occurs in several stages over seven to ten days. Firstly there is a mild tingling or itching sensation which lasts 12-24 hours. Small blisters then form and tend to join with one another.