| Risk Factors Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted
infection. It causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters.
These blisters break open and leave an indented sore or ulcer.
The blisters can be found on the genitals, buttocks, or thighs.
However, they can also spread to other parts of the body (such
as, the mouth, face, or eyes). Copyright © Nucleus Medical
Media, Inc. About 16% of people aged 14-49 years have herpes
simplex type 2 genital infection. Genital herpes is usually
caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus. The herpes simplex 1 virus
causes most often, but it can also cause genital herpes. The
virus enters the body through genital areas, the mouth, or a
break in the skin. After the first outbreak, the virus moves to
nerve endings at the base of the spine. It will remain there
until the next outbreak. The virus can be spread with: - Direct
contact with an infected person—such as having contact with the
vagina, penis, anus, or mouth (can include sexual or non-sexual
contact) - Fluid from herpes blist