What Does Herpes Look Like?

2. Transmission and Contraction

Genital herpes is transmitted from one person to another during intercourse. If your partner performs oral sex on you while you are infected, he or she can contract the disease on their mouth. The virus can also be transmitted to the anal area after anal sex. The virus can be contracted even if it is present on the outside of the genital area. Herpes is most often transmitted through sexual activity. People do not always know that they are infected with herpes, so they can unwittingly infect their partners.