Genital herpes: Common but misunderstood

Don't assume that genital herpes isn't your concern.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause small, painful sores in the genital area. The symptoms may include fever, itching, burning, and trouble urinating. But many people with the disease don't realize they have been infected with HSV, because either they have only mild or infrequent symptoms, or no symptoms at all. In women, herpes outbreaks can also be mistaken for vaginitis, urinary tract infections, or even hemorrhoids.