Male genital herpes occurs when a male has become infected with a strain of the herpes virus, typically Herpes Simplex Virus 2. All forms of genital herpes -- male genital herpes and female genital herpes -- are spread through sexual contact. Cases of male genital herpes typically do not present symptoms: it's believed that roughly eighty percent of all people with genital herpes are unaware of their status because of either no symptoms, or symptoms that are mistaken for another condition. Male genital herpes and all forms of genital herpes are believed to be a lifelong condition, though there are some treatments that claim to be able to eliminate the herpes virus from the body entirely. Male genital herpes does not present a serious health threat, and typically responds well to treatment.