Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. The biggest reason for this is that it is so very easy to pass along. A person doesn't even have to know that they have it to pass it. It can be passed by genital contact, as well as oral contact and even just by having the virus on fingers. Genital herpes doesn't just appear on the genitals themselves. It can be anywhere in the area including the anus.