Myths and Facts About Genital Herpes

Test your knowledge of genital herpes. Of the following statements, which are facts and which are myths?

1. You can spread genital herpes when you don't have any symptoms. Fact. Genital herpes can be spread to a sex partner even when you have no symptoms. This is how most new cases of genital herpes are spread.

2. A person can have genital herpes and not even know it. Fact. The genital herpes virus can be active in a person's body even though they have no symptoms. That's why out of the 50 million Americans who have genital herpes, 90% don't even realize they are infected with the virus and may unknowingly infect others.

3. You can get genital herpes from toilet seats. Myth. The genital herpes virus is a fragile virus that dries out when it is exposed to air. There have been no proven cases of genital herpes transmission from a toilet seat.

4. If you have genital herpes, you can never have sex again. Myth. While you should always use a condom for extra protection, you can still have sex if you have genital herpes. But it is important to avoid sexual contact if you have any sores (oral or genital) or symptoms. Also, even if sores are not present, you could still be contagious because of asymptomatic viral shedding. Even when you are asymptomatic, you should use a condom for extra protection. (Please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you're allergic to latex.) Even though condoms have been shown to reduce transmission, they are not always effective.

5. You can spread genital herpes to other parts of your body. Fact. If you touch a genital herpes sore and then touch another part of your body, you can potentially spread the virus. Avoid contact with sores, and if you touch a sore, wash your hands with soap immediately.

6. Stress can trigger an outbreak of herpes. Fact. Physical and emotional stress can trigger an outbreak of genital herpes in some people.

7. Many people can tell when a genital herpes outbeak will occur. Fact. Many people feel the early warning symptoms of an outbreak. Although each person is different, common early symptoms may include pain, burning, itching, tingling, or tenderness. This stage of the outbreak is called the prodrome—a warning that a full-blown outbreak may be coming.

Learn the importance of identifying your prodrome.

8. People who have genital herpes may be more susceptible to HIV. Fact. People who have genital herpes may be more likely to acquire HIV than those who don't have the virus. If you are exposed to HIV during sexual contact and have genital sores, HIV can find easy entry into the body. During an outbreak of genital herpes, CD4 cells, which fight against the herpes infection, are found at the base of the lesion. These cells are the main cells attacked by HIV.

9. Genital herpes can make you sterile. Myth. Genital herpes cannot make you sterile. However, other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia can make you sterile, and your doctor should test for these infections when you are diagnosed with herpes.

10. Cold sores are just a lip infection and are not associated with herpes. Myth. Cold sores are generally caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. This virus can also cause an initial outbreak of genital herpes if you have oral sex with someone who has a cold sore.

11. You can't have children if you have genital herpes because you will pass it on to your child. Myth. However, a newborn baby can be infected with the herpes virus if the mother's infection is active at the time of birth.You can be contagious, even if you don't have sores or lesions. But if genital herpes sores are present during labor, a cesarean section can be performed to reduce contact between the infection and the baby. Talk to your doctor if you have genital herpes and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

12. People with genital herpes are more susceptible to other infections Myth. Most people who have herpes are not more susceptible to other infections. Rarely, some people with herpes develop cellulitis. Cellulitis is an uncommon bacterial infection that may develop due to bacteria entering the genital herpes sores. Cellulitis causes a deep red rash and is often associated with tenderness and fever. This infection can be treated with antibiotics.

13. PAP smears can detect whether you have genital herpes. Myth. PAP smears are not designed to detect herpes simplex virus infections. Type-specific serology tests and viral cultures are used to diagnose genital herpes and are not normally conducted during a woman's annual gynecological examination. If you are concerned that you may have genital herpes, discuss testing for genital herpes with your healthcare provider.

14. You can't get genital herpes from oral sex. Myth. Most type 1 genital herpes is caused by unprotected oral sex. The type 1 herpes virus can be spread through oral sex—what was a cold sore on your partner may develop as genital herpes on you. It is important to use barrier protection such as latex condoms during oral sex. (Please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you're allergic to latex.)

15. If you have been with your partner for several years and just found out that you have genital herpes, your partner must be cheating on you. Myth. The fact that your partner has been diagnosed with genital herpes does not necessarily mean he or she has been unfaithful to you. Genital herpes outbreaks can occur with very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. You or your partner may have contracted the disease from a sexual partner a long time ago or your partner may have genital herpes without knowing it. You may want to consider having an open, honest conversation with your partner about your diagnosis without making any assumptions

16. The only people who get genital herpes are those who have had many sexual partners. Myth. Genital herpes is very common. As many as 1 in 5 American adults have genital herpes. Because of this, you can get genital herpes even if you've had only one or two sexual partners. However, your risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease like herpes increases with the number of sexual partners you've had in your life.