Genital Herpes: Myths vs Facts, and How to Live Well with HSV

Genital herpes is very common in Australia, and it carries far more stigma than it deserves. Around 12–15% of adults carry herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), roughly 1 in 8, and 70–80% carry type 1 (HSV-1), the virus behind most cold sores. Most people with either type have never had a noticeable outbreak and don’t know they have it.

For most people, herpes is a manageable skin condition, not a verdict on their health or their relationships. Here are the myths we hear most often, and what the evidence actually says.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP). Last reviewed 2 October 2026. Checked against the Australian STI Management Guidelines (updated June 2026).

The short version

• Genital herpes can be caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. More than half of first genital infections in young people are now HSV-1, usually from oral sex.
• It can be passed on when there are no sores, but the risk is lower and can be reduced further.
• It’s diagnosed with a swab from a sore. Blood tests for herpes aren’t part of a routine STI check.
• There’s no cure, but antiviral treatment shortens outbreaks, reduces how often they happen and lowers the risk of passing it on.

Myth 1: “You can only pass it on when you have sores”

Fact: Herpes is most contagious when blisters or sores are present, but the virus can also be shed from the skin for short periods when there are no symptoms. That’s how many people catch it from a partner who has no idea they carry it. Avoiding sex during outbreaks, using condoms and, for some people, taking daily suppressive treatment all lower the risk.

Myth 2: “Genital herpes is always HSV-2”

Fact: Not any more. More than half of first genital herpes episodes in young people are now caused by HSV-1, mostly passed on through oral sex from someone with a cold sore or who’s shedding the virus without one. The type matters: genital HSV-1 tends to come back less often than HSV-2, particularly in the first year.

Myth 3: “If I’ve just found out, my partner must have cheated”

Fact: Symptoms can appear days after catching herpes, or years later. Many people carry the virus without symptoms for a long time, and a first noticeable outbreak can be the first sign of an infection from a past relationship. A new diagnosis on its own tells you very little about when or from whom it was caught.

Myth 4: “Outbreaks are always severe and keep coming back”

Fact: The first episode is usually the worst. Recurrences tend to be shorter and milder, and they usually become less frequent over time. Some people have only one episode, or none they notice after the first.

Myth 5: “A routine STI check will tell me if I have herpes”

Fact: It won’t, and that’s deliberate. Herpes is diagnosed with a swab taken from a sore or blister, ideally within the first few days. Herpes blood tests aren’t recommended for people without symptoms, because results are hard to interpret and don’t change what you’d do. They’re used only in specific situations, such as pregnancy, with specialist advice. See what a full STI check includes.

Myth 6: “Having herpes means the end of my sex life”

Fact: People with herpes have relationships, sex and children. With treatment options, condoms and honest conversations, the risk to partners can be kept low. For many people, the stigma turns out to be harder than the virus itself.

Living well with herpes

Treatment. There are three ways antiviral tablets are used:

• First episode: a course of 5–10 days to shorten the outbreak.
• Episodic treatment: a short 1–3 day course started at the first sign of a recurrence, such as tingling or itching.
• Suppressive treatment: a daily tablet for people with frequent or distressing outbreaks, or to lower the risk of passing herpes on to a partner. It’s usually reviewed with your doctor every 6 months.

All need a prescription, and a doctor can help you choose based on how often you get outbreaks and your relationships.

During an outbreak. Salt baths, loose cotton underwear and simple pain relief can help. If passing urine stings, doing so in a warm bath or shower can make it easier.

Triggers. Some people notice outbreaks with stress, illness, friction, sun exposure or around their period. Learning your own pattern can help you start episodic treatment early.

Telling partners. Partner notification isn’t required for herpes the way it is for chlamydia or syphilis, but telling current and new partners lets them make informed choices. Many people find it easier to raise it calmly, early and with the facts in hand. A doctor can help you plan what to say.

Pregnancy. If you have herpes and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor or midwife. A first infection late in pregnancy needs specialist advice, and suppressive treatment from 36 weeks is commonly used to reduce the chance of an outbreak at birth.

Frequently asked questions

How common is genital herpes in Australia?

Very common. About 12–15% of Australian adults carry HSV-2 and 70–80% carry HSV-1. Many genital infections are caused by HSV-1, and most people with either type don’t know they have it.

Can I get tested for herpes without symptoms?

Routine herpes blood tests aren’t recommended for people without symptoms. If you have a sore or blister, see a doctor quickly so it can be swabbed while it’s fresh.

Can herpes be cured?

No, the virus stays in the body. But antiviral treatment shortens outbreaks, can prevent them, and lowers the chance of passing herpes on.

Can I pass on herpes if I don’t have sores?

Yes, although the risk is lower than during an outbreak. Condoms, avoiding sex during symptoms, and daily suppressive treatment all reduce it.

Talk to a doctor about herpes

If you’ve noticed a sore, need treatment for an outbreak or want to discuss daily treatment, speak to an Australian doctor by phone or video, usually the same day. Book a herpes consult, bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders.

Related guides: genital herpes testing and treatment online; genital warts; and what a full STI check includes.

Sources: Australian STI Management Guidelines, genital herpes simplex virus (updated 30 June 2026); healthdirect, genital herpes; Better Health Channel, genital herpes. This article is general information, not personal medical advice.