Being gay and herpes

No matter what your sexual orientation, if you are having sex you are at risk of getting herpes.

In the past, genital herpes was much more prevalent among gay men than in heterosexuals. That’s no longer the case, partly because more heterosexual couples are having oral sex and becoming infected that way. However, infection through anal sex remains more common among gay men.

While gay women are slightly less likely to become infected than heterosexual women, gay men with herpes are more susceptible to HIV infection.

There is a range of sexual health services specifically aimed at gay men and women. To find out more click onto 'getting support'.