1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health

genital herpes

From , former About.com Guide

Updated December 30, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A sexually transmitted disease caused by type 2 herpes virus. Genital herpes usually presents with painful blisters; other symptoms can include fever, headaches, and muscle aches. First-time outbreaks usually appear about 6 days after exposure. Although treatment is available to make recurrent outbreaks less severe, there is no cure.
Also Known As: HSV, herpes simplex virus, genital blisters, vaginal sores
Common Misspellings: herpees, hirpies, hurpes

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.