How to Know If Your Partner Has Herpes

The signs and symptoms of genital herpes can vary in outbreak and severity in each person. In some cases, there are no signs of genital herpes, and after one outbreak the virus may never emerge again. In other cases a person may experience frequent outbreaks that last for decades. If you are concerned or suspect that your partner has genital herpes, there are several methods you can employ to confirm your suspicions and questions.

Things You'll Need

• List of Herpes Simplex symptoms

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your partner if he has genital herpes. Because there are often no physical symptoms of herpes before an outbreak, the best way to know whether your partner has herpes is to simply ask. This open and frank exchange of information should be a part of a healthy sexual relationship--which involves discussing past partners and any prior contact with sexually transmitted diseases before engaging in sexual activity.

• 2

  Examine your partner's body for symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak. Common symptoms of the virus are small red bumps or open sores that may itch or irritate the genital area and upper thighs. In men, sores will most usually appear on the penis, scrotum, buttocks and anus, and sometimes inside of the urethra. Women will exhibit symptoms most frequently in the vaginal area, cervix and buttocks.

• 3

  Ask your partner whether he or she is having pain while urinating. Sometimes that virus will manifest internally and will not be openly visible during examination. If, however, there are open sores or ulcers inside of the urethra or vaginal area, there may be pain associated with urination, and it may be a sign of the virus.

• 4

  Confirm a diagnosis of herpes simplex virus with your partner's doctor. A medical professional will be able to discuss the virus with you and your partner, prescribe medication for the outbreaks, and discuss the risk factors that you have when engaging in a sexual relationship with someone who has genital herpes.