

(But it isn't the only STD that's becoming more common in the U.S.) To prevent spreading the infection, avoid sexual contact during (or right before) an outbreak, use a latex condom to lower the risk of transmission when you have no sores or symptoms, wash your hands after using the restroom, and put any towels you used for showering or bathing into the laundry after a single-use, she says. You can even spread the virus from one part of your body to another (for instance, from your mouth to your nether region) if you touch a sore and then touch a different area. It is possible to have pubic lice and not have. Herpes is highly contagious and can be spread through sex of any kind, touching the sores or fluids, or using something that has been in contact with the herpes blisters (such as an infected razor or towel). Pubic Lice (sometimes called crabs) are tiny insects that live on coarse body hair, usually near the genitals. However, either strain can cause sores on the mouth or genitals. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes (also known as cold sores or fever blisters), and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes.

How it got there: Herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex virus.
