Information for partners

Your partner has genital herpes. He or she has just gone out on an “emotional limb” by telling you. Your support is very important to help them deal with this condition and it also directly affects you.

It’s also important not to blame and conduct a witchunt into who brought this into your relationship. Just because they have genital herpes doesn’t mean they’ve been unfaithful to you, or sexually promiscuous in the past.

There are a lot of common misunderstandings surrounding herpes. The fact is, anyone who is sexually active is at risk of catching genital herpes, regardless of their gender, race or social class.

Genital herpes is really common. Around 1 in 8 of us are carrying the genital herpes virus. And up to 80% of peole with genital herpes don’t even realise they have it. These people aren’t stupid or in denial. It’s just the symptoms of herpes vary enormously from person to person and not eveyone gets the classic blisters or sores.

Many people mistake their recurring rash for thrush or jock itch when in fact it’s genital herpes. Many people catch the virus and display no symptoms for years, then something triggers an outbreak. It’s also possible to transmit the virus even when there are no outward signs of infection.

If you have caught the virus, confirming the diagnosis means you can be precribed simple and effective treatment to relieve the symptoms and reduce the chances of you passing it on.

Genital herpes is just an infection. It can happen to anyone and it is more common than you think. Along with other STIs, it’s a risk you take when having unprotected sex. Just like everyone is at risk of getting skin cancer from being in the sun. You take precautions to minimise the risk, because enjoying the sunshine is a part of life’s fun. It’s the same with your sex life. Take the precautions and enjoy yourself.