Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are known to not only cause bodily harm, but also bring significant psychological pain as well. Of the common STD's, the male genital herpes infection is generally caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and usually will manifest itself within the first few weeks of contracting the infection, specifically from an infected sex partner. Because it is an STD, the male herpes infection cannot infect other individuals by other means apart from sexual intercourse or other sex acts.

Male herpes is often brought about by two different types, which are HSV Type-1, and the HSV Type -2. Sexually transmitted disease experts however indicate that this type of infection is most often caused by HSV-2. This infection can also be contracted if one has multiple sex partners, and some of them already have it. There also have been some cases wherein accidental infection was caused by having casual sex with a person infected with the herpes simplex virus. Health experts indicate that the common symptoms of this type of infection includes experiencing increased skin sensitivity, a burning itching or pain at the area of the infection, and the sudden formation of blisters or sores. Aside from these, the symptoms may also include intense muscle aching, fever, malaise and decreased appetite. Painful sores may also appear over the genital area, and victims also feel intense pain during urination. Most males often experience other extra symptoms such as a flu-like condition, back pain and headache, swollen glands, unrelated abdominal pressures and an unusual penis discharge.

According to health experts, the diagnosis of male herpes is usually based on the person's medical history, the signs and symptoms of the infection, and the results of other tests. Doctors have strongly indicated that it is vital to distinguish the infection from other types of STD's, especially those that also produce the same signs and symptoms. Although at present there has not yet been a cure for herpes, it can however be effectively managed through the use of antiviral drug therapy, along with some self-care measures. There are a number of antiviral medications that are readily available for treating this infection, and two regimens of drug therapy are used for this: episodic therapy and suppressive therapy. Episodic therapy refers to treating this with antiviral drugs as soon as the symptoms manifest, whether they happen for the first time or during recurrent episodes. Medications are taken from 7 to 10 days, which work to reduce the pain, heal the sores and ulcers, as well as shorten the time during which the virus may be transmitted to a partner. Suppressive therapy on the other hand, refers to the continuous use of antiviral medicines, even when the symptoms have yet to manifest.