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- Sexual health
- 28 February 2018
Reviewed March 2023
Getting back to intimacy after being diagnosed with herpes
As with any sexually transmitted disease, a herpes diagnosis can be upsetting. However, guidelines note that herpes is actually very common: around 67% of people will carry the oral herpes virus by the age of 501 and around 28% of adults in Europe will have antibodies to genital herpes,2 which indicates that they are carrying the virus.
Herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex; type 1 which normally causes cold sores, and type 2 which usually causes genital herpes. Type 2 is less common, but it is possible for the two types to cross over areas. This does mean you can catch genital herpes from a cold sore or vice versa.
There is no way of knowing from appearance alone whether this is type 1 or 2, but blood tests are able to distinguish between the two types. Herpes can lie dormant in the body for months or years at a time, without displaying any symptoms. Most people who have genital herpes have no symptoms, or very mild symptoms.3
What are the symptoms of herpes?
The symptoms associated with type 2 HSV can be severe, with painful blisters appearing on the vagina and vulva. This can be accompanied by swelling of the area, vaginal discharge, pain when passing urine, and a flu-like illness. Taking an antiviral drug, such as aciclovir, can reduce the length of symptoms in each episode. If you notice any symptoms you should go to your doctor or local GUM clinic for a diagnosis and treatment.
Once herpes has been acquired it cannot be “cured” as such, and continues to live in the body for life. Symptoms can recur after the initial episode and this is more common in the first year, where people will have four episodes, on average. However, episodes reduce in subsequent years.4
How do you catch and pass on herpes?
Genital herpes is acquired by contact with infective blisters or cold sores on the mouth, genitals, or anus. It is also possible to get an infection from other lesions such as a herpetic whitlow; a lesion on the finger or thumb.
If you currently have any genital lesions, you should avoid having intercourse, as this means that the virus is very infectious. Using a condom or femidom will not protect a sexual partner as it does not cover all genital surfaces, so there is still risk of infection as uncovered surfaces come into contact.
If you have lesions elsewhere on the body, such as the mouth or fingers, intercourse is possible but great care must be taken for these lesions not to come into contact with the genitalia if you wish to avoid genital herpes.
It is possible for genital herpes to be acquired from a cold sore, so you should avoid giving oral sex to your partner if you currently have one.
Herpes can also be transmitted when there are no signs of infection. Once an individual has been infected, the virus lives in nerve tissue called ganglia, under the skin
During the initial episode of blisters, you should also take care to wash your hands thoroughly after touching any lesions, and avoid sharing towels or underwear. There are no need to take such precautions after the first episode has cleared.
Herpes can also be transmitted when there are no signs of infection. Once an individual has been infected, the virus lives in nerve tissue called ganglia, under the skin. Every so often it undergoes a process called shedding where the virus travels to the surface of the tissue and bits of the virus are spread.
We don’t know exactly how often this happens, but we do know the frequency of this reduces in the years following the initial episode.5 There is no way of knowing whether you are currently shedding as the process is invisible.
If a person has caught the virus from another via the shedding process described above, the virus may lie dormant for several weeks or months. Symptoms often present when someone’s immune system is weakened, such as during a period of illness or pregnancy.
It is possible to only have sex with one person in your entire life and still contract genital herpes.
Even in a short-term relationship it is best to be open and honest about the diagnosis and use a condom to reduce the risk
A condom or femidom will not prevent the virus being transferred by the shedding process, but it will significantly reduce the risk. One study found that the risk of transmission was reduced by 30% when condoms were used consistently.6 Antiviral drugs can also reduce the risk of shedding by around 80-90%.7
It is particularly important to avoid herpes infection during pregnancy. Sex with a partner who has been diagnosed with the herpes virus should always take place with a condom and avoided completely if lesions are present.
How can I tell my partner I have herpes?
Telling a partner about a herpes diagnosis is never easy. Having an open and honest discussion should help them to understand the diagnosis and how normal it really is. It is possible that your partner is already a carrier of the herpes virus, but may be unaware, due to a lack of symptoms.
Even in a short-term relationship it is best to be open and honest about the diagnosis and use a condom to reduce the risk. Ideally, both partners should get STI tested prior to intercourse but this is not always possible. Early disclosure can help to build trust in any relationship and avoid making the conversation more difficult at a later date.
Most people wouldn’t think twice about kissing a partner who had previously had a cold sore, so having sex after an episode of genital herpes should be no different
If you are struggling to have this discussion, it may be worth seeing your GP, or a genito-urinary doctor or nurse, as a couple. Such professionals are experienced in counselling couples about the condition. Your local GUM clinic can also contact your partner directly, if you feel unable to inform them in person.
Most people wouldn’t think twice about kissing a partner who had previously had a cold sore, so having sex after an episode of genital herpes should be no different. Use of a condom or antivirals will significantly lower the risk of transmission.
A diagnosis of herpes should not prevent you being able to enjoy being intimate with your partner and should not prevent you maintaining a happy and healthy sex life.
As genital lesions are very tender it is advisable to avoid any contact with this area at this time. The lesions can be very painful and you may feel generally unwell during an outbreak. You should not feel under any pressure to be intimate at this time. There is no risk associated with kissing or cuddling with genital herpes, so this can help maintain feelings of intimacy.
Some people may find it hard to relax during sex after a herpes diagnosis, even after symptoms have cleared. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting through this. Psychosexual counselling is available privately, and on the NHS in some areas. This can help to deal with intrusive feelings and anxieties. There are also herpes support groups available for those who may prefer to discuss their feelings with a group.
Featured image is of two women embracing. The picture has been taken from the side, focusing on their arms wrapped around each others’ torso. One woman wears a red shirt and the other wears a white lace top
Last updated March 2023
Next update due 2026
As with any sexually transmitted disease, a herpes diagnosis can be upsetting. However, guidelines note that herpes is actually very common: around 67% of people will carry the oral herpes virus by the age of 501 and around 28% of adults in Europe will have antibodies to genital herpes,2 which indicates that they are carrying the virus.
Herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex; type 1 which normally causes cold sores, and type 2 which usually causes genital herpes. Type 2 is less common, but it is possible for the two types to cross over areas. This does mean you can catch genital herpes from a cold sore or vice versa.
There is no way of knowing from appearance alone whether this is type 1 or 2, but blood tests are able to distinguish between the two types. Herpes can lie dormant in the body for months or years at a time, without displaying any symptoms. Most people who have genital herpes have no symptoms, or very mild symptoms.3
What are the symptoms of herpes?
The symptoms associated with type 2 HSV can be severe, with painful blisters appearing on the vagina and vulva. This can be accompanied by swelling of the area, vaginal discharge, pain when passing urine, and a flu-like illness. Taking an antiviral drug, such as aciclovir, can reduce the length of symptoms in each episode. If you notice any symptoms you should go to your doctor or local GUM clinic for a diagnosis and treatment.
Once herpes has been acquired it cannot be “cured” as such, and continues to live in the body for life. Symptoms can recur after the initial episode and this is more common in the first year, where people will have four episodes, on average. However, episodes reduce in subsequent years.4
How do you catch and pass on herpes?
Genital herpes is acquired by contact with infective blisters or cold sores on the mouth, genitals, or anus. It is also possible to get an infection from other lesions such as a herpetic whitlow; a lesion on the finger or thumb.
If you currently have any genital lesions, you should avoid having intercourse, as this means that the virus is very infectious. Using a condom or femidom will not protect a sexual partner as it does not cover all genital surfaces, so there is still risk of infection as uncovered surfaces come into contact.
If you have lesions elsewhere on the body, such as the mouth or fingers, intercourse is possible but great care must be taken for these lesions not to come into contact with the genitalia if you wish to avoid genital herpes.
It is possible for genital herpes to be acquired from a cold sore, so you should avoid giving oral sex to your partner if you currently have one.
Herpes can also be transmitted when there are no signs of infection. Once an individual has been infected, the virus lives in nerve tissue called ganglia, under the skin
During the initial episode of blisters, you should also take care to wash your hands thoroughly after touching any lesions, and avoid sharing towels or underwear. There are no need to take such precautions after the first episode has cleared.
Herpes can also be transmitted when there are no signs of infection. Once an individual has been infected, the virus lives in nerve tissue called ganglia, under the skin. Every so often it undergoes a process called shedding where the virus travels to the surface of the tissue and bits of the virus are spread.
We don’t know exactly how often this happens, but we do know the frequency of this reduces in the years following the initial episode.5 There is no way of knowing whether you are currently shedding as the process is invisible.
If a person has caught the virus from another via the shedding process described above, the virus may lie dormant for several weeks or months. Symptoms often present when someone’s immune system is weakened, such as during a period of illness or pregnancy.
It is possible to only have sex with one person in your entire life and still contract genital herpes.
Even in a short-term relationship it is best to be open and honest about the diagnosis and use a condom to reduce the risk
A condom or femidom will not prevent the virus being transferred by the shedding process, but it will significantly reduce the risk. One study found that the risk of transmission was reduced by 30% when condoms were used consistently.6 Antiviral drugs can also reduce the risk of shedding by around 80-90%.7
It is particularly important to avoid herpes infection during pregnancy. Sex with a partner who has been diagnosed with the herpes virus should always take place with a condom and avoided completely if lesions are present.
How can I tell my partner I have herpes?
Telling a partner about a herpes diagnosis is never easy. Having an open and honest discussion should help them to understand the diagnosis and how normal it really is. It is possible that your partner is already a carrier of the herpes virus, but may be unaware, due to a lack of symptoms.
Even in a short-term relationship it is best to be open and honest about the diagnosis and use a condom to reduce the risk. Ideally, both partners should get STI tested prior to intercourse but this is not always possible. Early disclosure can help to build trust in any relationship and avoid making the conversation more difficult at a later date.
Most people wouldn’t think twice about kissing a partner who had previously had a cold sore, so having sex after an episode of genital herpes should be no different
If you are struggling to have this discussion, it may be worth seeing your GP, or a genito-urinary doctor or nurse, as a couple. Such professionals are experienced in counselling couples about the condition. Your local GUM clinic can also contact your partner directly, if you feel unable to inform them in person.
Most people wouldn’t think twice about kissing a partner who had previously had a cold sore, so having sex after an episode of genital herpes should be no different. Use of a condom or antivirals will significantly lower the risk of transmission.
A diagnosis of herpes should not prevent you being able to enjoy being intimate with your partner and should not prevent you maintaining a happy and healthy sex life.
As genital lesions are very tender it is advisable to avoid any contact with this area at this time. The lesions can be very painful and you may feel generally unwell during an outbreak. You should not feel under any pressure to be intimate at this time. There is no risk associated with kissing or cuddling with genital herpes, so this can help maintain feelings of intimacy.
Some people may find it hard to relax during sex after a herpes diagnosis, even after symptoms have cleared. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting through this. Psychosexual counselling is available privately, and on the NHS in some areas. This can help to deal with intrusive feelings and anxieties. There are also herpes support groups available for those who may prefer to discuss their feelings with a group.
Featured image is of two women embracing. The picture has been taken from the side, focusing on their arms wrapped around each others’ torso. One woman wears a red shirt and the other wears a white lace top
Last updated March 2023
Next update due 2026
References
- NICE, Herpes simplex – oral, Clinical Knowledge Summary, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, January 2023, [online], (accessed 29 March 2023)
- Alareeki, A., et al., Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 in Europe: systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions, The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Feb 2023, no 25, p 100558
- CDC, Genital herpes, Basic fact sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 3, 2022 [online] [accessed 29 March 2023]
- Phipps, W., et al., Persistent genital herpes simplex virus-2 shedding years following the first clinical episode, Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol. 15, No. 203(2), 2011, pp. 180-7.
- Ibid
- Martin, E.T., et al., A pooled analysis of the effect of condoms in preventing HSV-2 acquisition, Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009, Vol. 13, No. 169(13), pp. 1233–1240.
- Kimberlin, D.W., and Whitley, R.J., Antiviral therapy of HSV-1 and -2, in Arvin, A. et al’s Human Herpesviruses: Biology, Therapy, and Immunoprophylaxis, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2007, Chapter 64 [online] [accessed 29 March 2023]
