Genital Herpes By Kenneth M Kaye, MD, Harvard Medical School Reviewed / Revised Sep 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points More Information Topic Resources Genital Herpes (Vulva) Genital Herpes (Ulcerations) Genital Herpes Genital Herpes (Male) Genital Herpes (Penis) Genital Herpes (Severe Infection) Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by human herpesvirus 1 or 2.