What causes genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by a virus—either the herpes simplex virus type 1 or the herpes simplex virus type 2. Either virus can cause sores on the lips and on the genitals. Type 1 more often causes cold sores. Type 2 more often causes genital sores.
You get infected when the virus enters your body. It can enter through a break in the skin or through moist areas such as the mouth, anus, and vagina.