Herpes Myths vs Facts

Herpes Myth: Only certain sorts of people get herpes.

Fact about herpes: 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.

Herpes Myth: Herpes isn't that common, and I am unlikely to get it.

Fact about herpes: Herpes is very common and may be caused by both herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex 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. 75% of people who have genital herpes get it from partners who are entirely unaware that they have it themselves.

Herpes Myth: Herpes "cold sores" on the mouth are not the same as genital herpes.

Fact about herpes: 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.

Herpes Myth: Herpes can only affect the genital area.

Fact about herpes: HSV-1 typically affects the mouth area. HSV-2 and HSV-1 affect the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, back of the thigh or inner thigh. Herpes can also occur in other parts of the body, although this is less common. On the fingers, it is known as herpes whitlow.

Herpes Myth: People always know if they have genital herpes.

Fact about herpes: No, 80% of those with genital herpes do not know they have it, as they may have no or very mild symptoms.

Herpes Myth: People with herpes are always infectious.

Fact about herpes: A person with herpes is not always infectious but the herpes virus is occasionally shed from the skin when symptoms are not present. Most of the time when you don't have herpes symptoms you are not infectious.

Herpes Myth: When you have an STI check or a cervical smear, it always checks for herpes.

Fact about herpes: 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.

Herpes Myth: People with herpes cannot have children.

Fact about herpes: Herpes does not affect fertility, and expectant parents 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.

Herpes Myth: Herpes causes cervical cancer.

Fact about herpes: Herpes is not associated with cervical abnormalities or cervical cancer. These are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), which is not herpes.

Herpes Myth: Herpes is passed through blood.

Fact about herpes: 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.

Myth: If you have herpes you should always wear condoms in long-term monogamous relationships.

Fact about herpes: 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 herpes symptoms from time to time, for the majority, herpes is not symptomatic or causes only mild symptoms. Herpes medication is available for those that need it.

Myth: If you have genital herpes you can't have (receive) oral sex.

Fact about herpes: Herpes transmission to the mouth from the genitals is uncommon.

Myth: I can pass herpes to myself from my mouth to my genitals if I accidentally touch myself.

Fact about herpes: 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.

Myth: It's risky living in the same house as someone who has genital herpes.

Fact about herpes: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is not spread through sharing communal facilities. When the herpes 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 herpes infection.

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.
 

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).