Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-2, but increasingly HSV-1 through oral-genital contact. Once infected, the virus remains in your body for life, with occasional outbreaks and a potential for asymptomatic viral shedding. World Health Organisation
Understanding genital herpes isn't just about medical facts — it's about real-world trends, who is affected, and how prevalence differs by age.
Recent WHO data reveals:
adults aged 15–49 worldwide have genital herpes
More than 1 in 5 people globally in this age range
people aged 15–49 have HSV-2 infection, the main cause of genital herpes
Important: Most infections cause few or no symptoms but can still be transmitted. World Health Organisation
This underscores the massive prevalence of genital herpes, a public health concern requiring better awareness, testing, and care.
Traditionally linked with genital transmission
Typically causes cold sores, but increasingly causes genital infection through oral-genital contact
Key insight: Many people with herpes never show symptoms or mistake mild symptoms for other conditions. Because of this, many individuals are unaware they carry the virus, which contributes to ongoing transmission. Herpes Viruses Association
of UK adults aged 15–49 have HSV-2 infection (traditional cause of genital herpes)
of people in the UK carry HSV-1 (often from childhood), with a portion experiencing genital infection through oral/sexual contact
Across the population, genital herpes diagnoses in sexual health clinics remain a significant public health concern, with tens of thousands of first-episode cases each year. GOV.UK
Note: These figures represent diagnosed cases and don't account for those undiagnosed, which is likely higher due to asymptomatic infections.
STI surveillance data highlights that genital herpes affects different age groups at varying rates:
Young adults aged 15–24 remain one of the highest diagnosis rate groups for STIs, including genital herpes, when accessing sexual health services. GOV.UK
Why? This likely reflects higher sexual activity, partner changes, and testing behaviour in younger adults.
🏆 Highest number of genital herpes diagnoses in England
Individuals aged 25–34 have the highest number of genital herpes diagnoses in England. Statista
This age group often shows elevated STI rates due to sustained sexual activity and exposure.
While younger adults represent a large share of diagnoses, herpes affects adults of all ages.
Regional data suggests variation across age groups, but diagnosis rates are not restricted to younger people alone. GOV.UK
💡 Insight: Herpes is increasingly recognised across a wider age range, not just in young adults, as more people get tested and as transmission patterns evolve.
More people are accessing sexual health clinics and getting tested, leading to more diagnoses.
Increased oral-genital contact contributes to HSV-1 genital transmission in younger adults.
Better awareness of symptoms and reduced stigma encourages testing and reporting.
Many individuals are infectious without knowing; this silent spread contributes to ongoing transmission.
Genital herpes is lifelong and may lead to:
• Recurrent outbreaks of painful blisters
• Psychological stress or anxiety
• Importance of safer sex practices
• Increased awareness of asymptomatic shedding
| Metric | UK Snapshot |
|---|---|
| HSV-1 Prevalence | ~70% of people by age 25 |
| HSV-2 Prevalence (15–49) | ~10–13% |
| First-episode genital herpes diagnoses (2024) | ~27,900 |
| Trend (2023 → 2024) | ~3.5% rise |
| Highest diagnostic group | Adults 25–34 |
Genital herpes is common, and diagnosis trends show a gradual increase across age groups, particularly among sexually active adults.
Get regular STI testing if sexually active — especially with new or multiple partners
Practice safe sex (condoms, dental dams)
Talk to partners openly about STI status
Seek medical support if you experience symptoms or have concerns
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