Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects men and women. Features of genital herpes include pain, itching and sores in your genital area. But you may have no signs or symptoms of genital herpes. If infected, you can be contagious even if you have no visible sores.The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. Sexual contact is the primary way that the virus spreads.After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in your body and can reactivate several times a year.f infected, you can be contagious even if you have no visible sores. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. Sexual contact is the primary way that the virus spreads. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in your body and can reactivate several times a year.