This research paper will cover the topic of herpes, focusing on a variety of factors related to it, especially those that influence sexual tendencies. Herpes is viewed by most of the population as a sexually transmitted disease that leaves warts on the genitals and/or mouth; this is true but there is much more behind this. I don't think people are that educated when it comes to this topic, I will admit that I am one of them. I hope that by the end of this article I will have a much broader idea about herpes than I have recently. This article will discuss the history of the infection and what the herpes simplex virus and its different types actually are. We will distinguish the differences between these different forms of herpes, including its symptoms, how they can affect you sexually, and what you can do to pacify the disease, or even prevent its onset. Herpes simplex is a virus that comes in two forms: Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2). It is a very well known disease and was very feared: “Before the advent of AIDS, genital herpes was the most feared sexually transmitted disease in the modern world. Incurable and incurable, it seemed to many a terrible punishment for the most casual sexual practices…” (Yancey 47). This virus after affecting an individual can remain dormant for quite a while, making the person believe they are perfectly fine. “Many people who transmit the virus do not know they are infected.” (Gardner 26) This statement confirms the fact that herpes does not always affect the person immediately. Herpes can break out at any time and start its epidemic, causing warts and blisters in different areas of the body. The first, Herpes simplex 1, is an infectious disease...... of paper......and you could try to be careful and even take drugs, your partner is not aware of it, so he will behave carefully. “…those who were told by their partner that they had genital herpes had a significantly lower risk of contracting HSV-2” (Wald 49). Communication is always key in a relationship and even when having sex with people outside of a relationship. This is why you have a much better chance of not transmitting the disease if you tell your partner about it and remain open with him. Wald also found in one study that people with higher education and older adults were also less likely to contract genital herpes (49). This is most likely because they are more knowledgeable about the topic or may have experience with it in one way or another. They know how to protect themselves from it than younger people and take appropriate safeguards to combat it.