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Genital herpes: what you need to know

Genital herpes is a common STD/STI—the CDC estimates that 1 in 8 people have it. Learn more about genital herpes and caring for yourself and your partners.

Genital herpes: what you need to know

Genital herpes is a common STD/STI—the CDC estimates that 1 in 8 people have it. Learn more about genital herpes and caring for yourself and your partners.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is an infection caused by two types of viruses—herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 can cause cold sores or blisters around the mouth. It is often referred to as “oral herpes.” Most people with oral herpes get it from non-sexual contact with saliva. However, HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Most people with herpes virus may have no symptoms and may never know they are infected. Other people may have very mild symptoms that can go unnoticed or be mistaken for common skin conditions like an ingrown hair or pimple. Because of this, most genital herpes infections are transmitted by people who don’t know that they have the infection or don’t have symptoms when transmission occurs.

If people do get symptoms, that’s called an “outbreak.” Symptoms of genital herpes include:

Blisters around the genitals, rectum, or mouth
Sores that form after blisters break, which can be painful and may take a week or more to heal
Flu-like symptoms like body aches, swollen glands, or fever can also occur if it’s your first outbreak
For many people, the first outbreak is the worst. Some people have repeated outbreaks, especially if they have HSV-2, but repeat outbreaks are usually less severe. Genital herpes is a chronic (life-long) infection, but the number of outbreaks often decreases over time.

How is genital herpes spread?

Genital herpes is spread when you have anal, oral, or vaginal sex with an infected person and come into contact with:

A herpes sore
Saliva from an infected partner
Genital fluids from an infected partner or partners
Skin-to-skin contact with the oral area of a partner with oral herpes
Skin-to-skin contact with the genital area of a partner with genital herpes
You can still get genital herpes from an infected partner, even if they don’t have visible sores, or other symptoms.

You cannot get herpes from swimming pools, bedding, or toilet seats, or from touching common household items like soap, towels, or silverware.

Who is at risk for genital herpes?

Anyone who is sexually active can get genital herpes, but some people are at higher risk:

People who have sex partners with genital herpes
People who have multiple sex partners
People who don’t consistently use condoms
Because there are higher rates of STIs among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, they may be more likely to come into contact with a partner with genital herpes.

How can I prevent genital herpes and protect myself and my partners?

You can reduce your risk of getting herpes by:

Using condoms every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex
Having one long-term sexual partner who does not have herpes
You should know that even though condoms can reduce the risk of getting genital herpes, not all herpes sores occur in an area that condoms can cover. Because of this, condoms may not completely protect you from getting herpes, or from spreading it if you have herpes.

How can I practice safer sex with genital herpes?

Safer sex is self-care. If you have herpes, you can still have an active sex life. If you have herpes, medication taken daily can help you to lower your risk of spreading it to others. You should also talk to your sex partners about their risk. Use condoms every time you have sex. Break out the lube – the friction caused by certain sex acts can irritate skin and trigger outbreaks. Be sure to avoid oil-based lube when using condoms since the oil can break down the latex of the condom. Instead, use water-based lubricants during sex. If you have an outbreak, it’s best to avoid sex and focus on other ways to be intimate.

If your partner has genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting genital herpes if:

Your partner takes medication, which can help reduce symptoms and stop the spread of the herpes virus
You avoid having sex with your partner when they have a herpes outbreak
Use condoms every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex
Have concerns or questions about how herpes can impact your health, sex life, and relationships? Talk with a health care provider near you.

How will I know if I have herpes?

If you have sores on your genitals, anus, or mouth, you should have a health care provider examine you. These sores can be caused by genital herpes or by another STD/STI such as mpox. If you think you have been exposed to genital herpes, your health care provider may recommend that you get tested for genital herpes, even if you do not have any sores. Testing for genital herpes without sores or other symptoms usually isn’t recommended unless you think you may have been recently exposed.

How do I get tested for genital herpes?

While your health provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at any sores present, you should talk with them about getting tested. Testing is simple—your provider may gently take a sample of fluid from any sores with a swab. Your health care provider may also recommend a blood test to look for HSV antibodies. If you test positive for genital herpes, talk to your health care provider about what to expect, including whether medications are the right path for you.

Is there treatment?

There is no cure for genital herpes. Anti-viral medications can make living with herpes much more manageable. These medications, taken daily, can prevent or shorten outbreaks and reduce the chance of spreading herpes to others.