Female genital herpes refers to a herpes simplex infection in a woman's genital area. Genital herpes is typically caused by herpes simplex 2, and so female genital herpes is also typically caused by herpes simplex 2. Herpes simplex 1 can also cause genital herpes, though it's not common for this to happen. A woman with genital herpes can have symptoms externally or internally. Internal symptoms may mean more irritation and a slower outbreak healing time. Genital herpes does not represent a serious health threat to a woman, and does not have a damaging effect on a woman's reproductive organs. A woman with genital herpes can still have children, but a pregnant woman with genital herpes must be certain to divulge her genital herpes status to ensure a healthy delivery.