Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types, HSV1 and HSV2. Both types can be found in the genital and anal area (genital herpes). Herpes simplex can also occur around the mouth and nose (cold sores) and fingers and hand (herpetic whitlows). This information is mainly about genital herpes in pregnancy.

In women, genital herpes can occur in the skin in and around the vagina, the vulva (lips around the opening of the vagina), the urethra (tube through which urine empties out of the bladder) and the anus (back passage). In men, it can occur in the skin of the penis, the urethra and in the anal area.

The leaflet can be downloaded as a pdf by clicking on the link below.

• Genital herpes in pregnancy: information for you