Herpes Simplex is a viral disease caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which can be transmitted by sex. Symptoms include painful fluid filled blisters around the genitals, which can later develop into open wounds on the skin. Herpes Simplex is not curable and often recurs. If you have Herpes Simplex, you are at a higher risk of getting HIV. If you have symptoms of ANY STI you should seek diagnosis and treatment IMMEDIATELY and not have sex, as you will risk infecting others. Condoms reduce the risk of getting Herpes Simplex and other STIs, but cannot protect fully against transmission.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation