Being Gay or Bisexual and Having Herpes

The virus that causes herpes isn't choosy - any kind of sexual activity (oral, anal, penile or vaginal contact) can lead to infection. However, some types of sex definitely carry a higher risk of infection than others.

Lesbian women are at a slightly lower risk than heterosexual women. 

The reverse is true for men who have anal sex with other men - they have a higher risk of infection compared with heterosexual men.

It has also been shown that having the herpes virus makes gay and bisexual men more susceptible to infection with HIV, so condom usage is particularly important for this group.

No matter what your gender or sexuality, the impact and effects of herpes infection are just the same.

The good news is that safer sex practices are much more widely accepted than they used to be, and practising safe sex will reduce the likelihood of you being exposed to the herpes virus.

You can find contact details for LGBTQIA+-friendly sexual health services here.  

Free Download Resources on Genital Herpes

You can also download our guides in pdf form:

  Genital Herpes - The Facts - our comprehensive pamphlet covers FAQs, herpes and relationships, pregnancy, facial herpes and more. 
  Genital Herpes – Myths Vs Facts 
  Summary of Genital Herpes Guidelines 

New Zealand Residents Only

If you would like to get a print copy of the information booklets, fill out the form on the consumer request for printed materials page (it contains sections on Genital Herpes - The Facts, Herpes and Relationships, Herpes and Pregnancy, Facial Herpes).