We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Anal herpes is an infection caused by the herpes virus that erupts as sores or blisters around the anus, the opening through which bowel movements pass. Syphilis , chancroid , and donovanosis are infections that can cause different types of lesions around the anus. The same virus that causes genital herpes can cause lesions in the genitals, anus, or perianus. But, not everyone with genital herpes has anal herpes.

A forum user posted that she had caught genital herpes from her new partner. She asked for advice about treating an outbreak and wanted to know if there was anything that would help to ease the pain of the sores she was getting on her genital area. Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. You catch it by having intimate usually sexual contact with someone who has the virus.

Back to Health A to Z. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection STI passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Treatment from a sexual health clinic can help. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back.

Herpes is a common, life-long infection caused by the herpes simplex virus HSV and generally transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. The symptoms of herpes can vary greatly, mainly depending on whether a person is experiencing their first episode or a recurrence. Once infected you may have symptoms returning on and off for years.