Herpes facts

  • Genital herpes is a common STI
  • Around 80% of people infected with genital herpes don't know they have the virus.
  • 1 in 8 adult Australians have genital herpes
  • Genital herpes is twice as common in women than in men
  • 80% of people with genital herpes don't realise that they have it
  • 70% of people with genital herpes get it from a partner who didn't have an outbreak at the time of sexual contact
  • The most common symptoms of genital herpes are redness, tingling and itching
  • If you experience recurrent genital symptoms see your doctor and request a STI test that includes genital herpes
  • Genital herpes treatments can be tailored to suit your lifestyle
  • There are simple treatments available to reduce genital herpes outbreaks
  • Suppressive therapy helps to reduce viral shedding
  • Reducing viral shedding lessens the risk of genital herpes transmission

Anyone can get herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). 1 in 8 adult Australians have it. It is so common that you can catch it even if you've only had a few sexual partners. In fact, it could take just one sexual partner to catch it.

If you have recurring symptoms like redness, tingling or itching anywhere inside your underwear see a doctor and ask to get tested for genital herpes.

What is
Herpes?

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease.

Herpes
Symptoms

Herpes Symptoms

Common and not so common symptoms of herpes.

Talking to your
Doctor

Talking to Your Doctor

How to discuss herpes with your doctor.

Herpes
Treatments

Herpes Treatment

Find out about herpes treatments.

Is genital herpes part of a standard STI test?

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