Genital herpes is transmitted sexually by the HSV-2 virus. The primary symptoms of the disease are the blisters or sores that appear on the genital area. Other symptoms of the disease include a constant pain in the legs, buttocks or the genital area. Women have to put up with the discomfort of a vaginal discharge. Infected people get a feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdominal area.

Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, (HSV). There are two strains of this virus"the HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 causes oral herpes, genital herpes is caused by the HSV-2 virus. Generally, people do not have the symptoms of the disease or even if they do, they are minimal. As a result, most people do not realize that they have herpes.

The common symptoms of this disease include blisters around the genitals or the rectum. When blisters break, sores or ulcers remain. These sores contain the HSV-2 virus, and when these sores burst, people become infected with genital herpes. The virus is also released from skin that does not appear to have been broken

As said, most infected people don't realize they have herpes, but if the signs and symptoms occur during the first outbreak, then they can be very severe. The first outbreak generally occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and is called the primary episode. It usually takes about three to four weeks for the sores to heal. People affected for the first time, can further expect around another 4 to 5 outbreaks in a year. With each outbreak, the severity decreases.

Genital herpes can also be transmitted from affected pregnant woman to her baby, especially during the primary attack. If the virus is transmitted through the placenta, it can cause fatal diseases in the baby. Also herpes can prove extremely painful to people with suppressed immune systems.

As such, there is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications cab help relieve pain and also prevent further outbreaks as long as the person takes the preventive medicines.