Genital herpes is a viral disease caused by Herpes Simplex Virus. There are two types of HSV, type 1 and type 2. Of these, type 1 causes cold sores, primarily in facial areas and are transmitted through infected saliva. It can be transmitted from parents to children also. It also causes fever blisters in and around mouth. The second type of HSv, type 2 is which cause genital herpes and its symptoms are seen in genital areas. Primarily measure of amount of this virus is used to calculate the depth of in infection and sexual practice. This virus is transmitted primarily through sexual contact and barrier methods like condoms are not found to be effective in preventing infection. This is because, sores need not be in penis or inside vagina and a skin to skin contact with sores can result in transmission of virus. It is always recommended to avoid sexual intercourse and any other sexuial practices with infected people, to avoid transmission of the virus. It is commonly seen that the first outbreak occur within a week from having unprotected sex with infected person. In some people the virus may stay dormant for years. Still, he will act as a carrier of the virus and spread it to others who comes with sexual contact with him. Chances of outbreak differs from person to person and there are cases that even no single outbreak is seen for years. Recurrence of outbreak is also unpredictable and many people report that they had recurring outbreaks every year, succeeding the first outbreak. Moreover, it is worth remembering that after getting infected, a person himself changes to a carrier, transmitting the virus to others. So, it is better to avoid sexual contact with multiple partners. Anyway, HSV is not found to decrease life expectancy. Treatment of genital herpes is difficult as there are no medicines found yet to eradicate the virus completely. Antiviral medications are used to treat acute symptoms of the disease. Hope my answer helps.. Take care.