Herpes Frequently Asked Questions

Got herpes questions? Start Here!

Explore Our FAQs for Answers on:

• Herpes Basics

• Diagnosis and Symptoms

• Living and Dating with Herpes

• Mental Health Support for Herpes

• Communication with Healthcare Providers

top 10 most searched herpes questions and answers

First off, the only way to know if you have herpes is to GET TESTED. Here are the answers to the questions, suitable for an FAQ page, with sources cited:

1. What are the symptoms of herpes? Herpes symptoms can vary but often include blisters or sores on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Other symptoms may include pain during urination, itching, and flu-like symptoms. Not everyone with herpes will experience noticeable symptoms (CDC, 2021).

2. How is herpes transmitted? Herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, especially during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It can be transmitted even when sores are not present (WHO, 2020).

3. Is there a herpes cure? There is currently no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission (NHS, 2021).

4. How can I manage herpes symptoms? Antiviral medications can reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. Pain relief can be managed through over-the-counter pain relievers, and keeping affected areas clean and dry helps in healing (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

5. What is the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2? HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes (cold sores) but can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. Both types can be transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sex as described by ASHA.

6. How to tell someone you have herpes? It's important to be honest and direct. Choose a private and comfortable setting, provide factual information, and be prepared for various reactions. Communication and honesty are key (Planned Parenthood, 2021).

7. Can herpes be transmitted when there are no symptoms? Yes, herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic shedding (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2021).

8. What are the long-term effects of living with herpes? Apart from periodic outbreaks, most people with herpes lead healthy lives. However, there can be psychological and social impacts due to the stigma associated with the condition (American Academy of Dermatology, 2021).

9. Are there home remedies for herpes outbreaks? While there's no cure, certain home remedies may provide relief, like warm baths, wearing loose clothing, and applying a cool compress to sores. Consult a healthcare provider before trying any home remedies (WebMD, 2021).

10. How does herpes affect pregnancy and childbirth? Herpes can be passed to the baby during childbirth, especially if the mother has an active outbreak. Doctors may recommend a C-section to reduce this risk. Pregnant women with herpes should consult their healthcare provider for management (March of Dimes, 2020).

These answers provide a general overview and should be complemented with professional medical advice as needed. If you’re seeking more statistics and percentages and graph type data, check out our survey information by clicking the link below.

How Should I disclose my status to my partner?

Yes. Please understand that it’s always better for your partner(s) and yourself that you tell them about your HSV status prior to potential acts that could potentially lead to transmission. If you have already exposed them, the sooner you can tell them, the less challenging it is. Learn more about the importance of disclosing, and how you can walk away with more confidence after it’s over.

How do I disclose my positive status to a friend or partner?

Try this exercise. Look yourself in the mirror or record yourself saying “I have herpes.” Explore the emotion that comes up. Understand that emotion and begin to understand your response to that statement. When you can maintain your composure, speak confidently about your positive status, and you see things potentially becoming physical with a potential partner (or if you just want to open up to a friend), this is a great starting point. The facts about herpes are plentiful. Educate your friend or partner about them.

a friend/potential partner just told me they have herpes: What do i do now?

Congratulations! This means you’re a safe space for someone who trusts you enough to have shared a very intimate detail of their life with you. Firstly, thank you. You’re seeking more information to provide support and/or make a more informed decision on how to move forward with a partner. Below you’ll find a link to the first of several discordant dating podcast episodes. These episodes feature interviews with people who have not tested positive for herpes, but date/have dated people who have tested positive for herpes. These are useful episodes to see how they decided to move forward. It’s important that you understand you can take all the time and space you need, and shouldn’t feel pressured into moving forward intimately until you’re ready. If a relative or friend shared their diagnosis with you, just continue to see them as you always have. That’s what we really want — is to be seen as we were before we received a stigmatized positive herpes diagnosis.

Not seeing the answers you’re looking for?

While our FAQ page offers extensive information on herpes, including dating and stigma, your individual questions are important to us. As the Director of SPFPP, I'm here to provide personalized guidance through one-on-one calls. These sessions are a chance for you to get tailored answers and explore our vast resources, from the podcast and restorative yoga community to support groups and mental health support. Your contribution through donations helps us continue this work. If you can't find what you're looking for, or need more in-depth support, please don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a call with me. Together, we can ensure you have the support and information you need.

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For more personalized support, become a part of our community. You’ll gain access to our Women’s herpes support groups, where you can connect with others who understand your journey. See our upcoming events to connect with community members virtually for our educational and interactive workshops and podcast recordings as well as opportunities to connect in person like our conferences and events in person. 

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