Herpes - Myth vs Fact Herpes is common, manageable & treatable
| Herpes... Myth vs Fact (in pdf form) |
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Myth: Only certain sorts of people get herpes.
Fact: No,
it is very common and anyone who has ever had sex
can get genital herpes. It’s not about being clean, dirty, good or bad
– it’s about being normal and sexually active.
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Myth: Herpes isn’t that common and I am unlikely to get it.
Fact: Herpes is very common and may be caused by both herpes
simplex type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2). HSV-1 causes “cold
sores” on the mouth, and up to 80% of the population has this
virus. However, it may also be transmitted to the genitals through
oral/genital sex and about 40% of genital herpes is caused by HSV-1.
Up to 22% of sexually active adults have genital herpes caused
by HSV-2. Most people with herpes will not have symptoms and
therefore will not be aware they have it. 50% of people getting herpes
get it from partners who are unaware they have it.
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Myth: Herpes “cold sores” on the mouth are not the same as genital herpes.
Fact:
Cold sores on the mouth or face are caused by HSV-1 and
are commonly transmitted to the genitals (causing genital herpes)
through oral to genital sex. Up to 40% of genital herpes is caused
by HSV-1.
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Myth: Herpes can only affect the genital area.
Fact:
HSV-1 typically affects the mouth area. HSV-2 and HSV-1
affect the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, back of thigh or inner thigh.
Herpes can also occur on other parts of the body, although this is less
common. On the fingers it is known as herpes whitlow.
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Myth: People always know if they have genital herpes.
Fact: No,
80% of those with genital herpes do not know they
have it, as they may have no or very mild symptoms.
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Myth: People with herpes are always infectious.
Fact: A person with herpes is not always infectious but the virus is
occasionally shed from the skin when symptoms are not present. Most
of the time when you don’t have symptoms you are not infectious.
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Myth: When you have an STI check or a cervical smear it always checks for herpes.
Fact: Routine sexual health (STI screens) checks and cervical
smear tests do not screen or test for herpes. Tests for herpes can
only be done if a person has symptoms and a swab is taken directly
from the lesion.
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Myth: People with herpes cannot have children.
Fact: Herpes does not affect fertility in either men or women,
and women with genital herpes can have normal pregnancies
and vaginal delivery. Herpes can be passed on to babies, but this
is rare. If you are pregnant and you or your partner has herpes, tell
your health care professional.
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Myth: Herpes causes cervical cancer.
Fact: Herpes is not present in the blood. People with genital
herpes can still donate blood. Genital herpes is only passed through
direct skin-to-skin contact, both orally and genitally.
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Myth: If you have herpes you should always wear condoms in new long-term monogamous relationships.
Fact: In long-term relationships, most couples choose not to
continually use condoms, and understand that getting herpes is just
a part of life. (Your partner may already have herpes without being
aware of it). Whilst some people may experience troublesome
symptoms from time to time, for the majority, herpes is not
symptomatic or causes only mild symptoms. Medication is available
for those that need it.
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Myth: If you have genital herpes you can’t have (receive) oral sex.
Fact: Herpes transmission to the mouth is uncommon.
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Myth: I can pass herpes to myself from my mouth to my genitals if I accidentally touch myself.
Fact: Once you have herpes at one site, it is rare to then get the
same type at another site. This is because your body develops
antibodies which prevent this from happening.
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Myth: It’s risky living in the same house as someone who has genital herpes.
Fact: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is not spread through sharing
communal facilities. When the virus leaves living skin cells, it dies.
People with genital or facial herpes are able to use the same showers,
toilets, washing machines and swimming pools as anyone else,
without the worry of passing on the infection.
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Herpes... Myth vs Fact (in pdf form)
Winning the war in your mind.The emotional impact of being diagnosed with genital herpes is often much worse than the condition and it doesn’t deserve the upset it causes. |
Also see our guide which is divided into four sections (in pdf form):
Alternatively you can download our guide as one pdf.
Click here if you would like to get a copy of the information booklet "The Facts: A guide for people with Genital Herpes" (it contains sections on Genital Herpes - The Facts, Herpes and Relationships, Herpes and Pregnancy, Facial Herpes).