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Herpes Myths

When it comes to herpes, there are an abundance of myths as to how you can get this highly contagious, sexually-transmitted disease. Herpes is caused by either the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1) or herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2), and it's easier to get than you might think.

  1. You Can Get Herpes Only Through Vaginal Sex

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, while 90 percent of cases of genital herpes are caused by the HSV-2 virus that's acquired through sexual intercourse, herpes can also be transmitted by oral sex. If your partner has a fever blister or cold sore (oral herpes) caused by HSV-1, you can get a genital herpes outbreak caused by HSV-1.

    You Can Get Genital Herpes by Kissing Someone

    • You can get oral herpes if you kiss someone with the HSV-1 virus that causes outbreaks on the lips or mouth area--but you'll experience an outbreak on your lips or mouth, too. You won't experience an outbreak of genital herpes just by kissing someone on the mouth.

    I'm a Virgin. I Can't Get Herpes.

    • As noted, you can still technically remain a virgin and get genital herpes if someone with oral HSV-1 gives you oral sex. You can also get herpes by rubbing genitals with someone infected with herpes.

    Condoms Offer 100 Percent Protection Against Herpes

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control, using condoms routinely and correctly greatly reduces your chance of getting herpes from an infected partner. But condoms don't cover all parts of the skin that may be infected. If your partner has a herpes outbreak, you might not be protected against herpes, even if you use a condom.

    Herpes Can Be Cured

    • There is no cure for herpes; the virus that causes it creeps into the ganglia (nerves) of your body, where it lays dormant until it reactivates. However, herpes can be treated with prescription medications called antivirals that reduce the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks.

    If I Get Herpes, I'll Know It

    • This is possibly the biggest herpes myth. According to the CDC, 90 percent of people infected with herpes don't know it. The Mayo Clinic states that when people get herpes, 70 percent of the time, their partners showed no signs or symptoms of the disease. Most people don't experience an initial outbreak of herpes, and if they do, their symptoms are so mild, they go undetected.

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