Herpes

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people have no symptoms. Herpes may cause painful blisters on or close to the genitals, anus or mouth. The blisters usually disappear by themselves after a week or more. Using a condom when having sex reduces the risk of infection. The infection is caused by a virus. There is no cure, the virus remains in the body, potentially causing new blisters later on. Medicines can prevent or shorten the outbreak and relieve pain.