The genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the virus HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) type 1 and 2.

The infection by the virus HSV2, infects the genitals and is transmitted through the sexual act.
The virus is found within the skin ulcer it causes. Contact with the ulcers transmits the virus.

Also the virus can be found on the skin of the genital area even of there are no infected points. When the virus HSV infects the body it stays forever. It occasionally causes new clinical signs through ulcers in the genital area.

HSV1 virus causes infections mainly in the mouth and the lips (cold sores). This virus also stays in the body forever.

It has the ability to reactivate and cause ulcers on the lips and mouth. This happens when the patient is infected by fever or another disease or for some reasons his immune system is weakened.

HSV1 virus, besides cold sores can also cause genital herpes. This happens when the genital area of someone comes in contact with the saliva of someone else who has oral herpes.