Infections of any kind can increase the chance of a genital herpes infection. They make the skin highly vulnerable to the highly contagious herpes simplex viruses.

Surgery conducted on genital parts can spread herpes simplex virus. The reasons are infected instruments and manual contact during or after the surgery on the surgical wounds. People with a history of herpes infection should disclose the information to their doctor if they are undergoing any surgery.

Though antibodies do not initially work against herpes infections but in the longer run they can restrict the severity of the infection. A weak immunity system can cause severe and painful recurring outbreak every time the herpes simplex virus gets reactivated.

This is an important factor behind a recurring outbreak. Vigorous sex is the most common trauma that causes a recurring outbreak. The precise reason behind this is still not known but it works as a biological initiator to reactivate latent herpes simplex viruses. People with genital herpes history should avoid chances of wounds on the infected skin. Lubrication of genital parts is a way to lower the friction between genitals during intercourse.

Having sex with multiple partners is not the only reason behind infection with herpes virus but it is a sure path to contracting genital herpes. It is not possible to know the health history of every partner you are having sex with, and despite condom usage you remain vulnerable to infection through contact with other body parts. It is always beneficial to avoid protected or unprotected sex with persons whose medical history you are unfamiliar with. 

Herpes simplex viruses are often asymptomatic. We often carry the virus without explicit past experience of any visible sores or related sensations. But sudden activation causes the outbreak. This makes these viruses extremely contagious. It is difficult to diagnose genital herpes clinically. Laboratory test is the only way to confirm the validity of infection. So, it is important to consult doctors regularly to avert the risk of infection.

Dissemination of herpes virus to the baby is possible if the mother gets the infection while she is pregnant. This can create serious neurological disorders later in the baby. A study shows that four out of nine infants suffer neonatal infections if their mothers acquire the disease just before labor. The study also confirms death of one out of these four infants from infection.

This is the second most common way of getting infected with the herpes simplex virus. Genital or anal intercourse: both are equally risky, especially when performed without a condom. Chances of infection are very steep during a herpes outbreak. Doctors always advise against intercourse when one partner is suffering from a visible herpes outbreak. Besides, the usage of condom, even during oral sex, is preferable if partner has a history of herpes infection. Condoms considerably lower the risk of skin contact between vital genital organs.

The most common way of transmission of herpes simplex virus is through skin contact. A small contact with infected skin is enough to transmit the infection. Moist body parts and mucus membranes are most vulnerable to these contagious viruses. This makes oral sex and oral herpes a major spring board for genital herpes. However, contrary to a popular misconception, public toilet seats, towels and clothes do not spread herpes virus as they cannot survive on anything but human skin.

HSV 2 causes genital herpes. Once entry has been effected in the human body, the virus generally resides latent within the sensory nerves. But these viruses move down to skin from sensory nerves cells if activated due to any biological reason. Consistent activation often creates blister, lesions and related sensations on the infected skin. HSV1 can also cause genital herpes but they are more common for oral herpes. However, HSV1 infection can make way to HSV2.