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There’s no such thing as totally “safe” sex. But you can take steps to reduce risk. That’s called “safer” sex. Here are some rules:
1. Never have sex during an outbreak or when you think you’re about to get one.
There is a high risk for passing the virus on to others when you have symptoms. Avoid vaginal, anal, or oral sex, if you have genital herpes’ symptoms. Remember, even when you don’t see any symptoms, you can still give the virus to others.
2. Always use a condom when you have sex.
Herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Condoms protect against genital herpes. But they’re not perfect.
Condoms don’t always work because they may not cover all the areas on the skin where the virus is.
Always keep in mind that you can give herpes to others, even when you have no symptoms.
3. Get tested for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
People with genital herpes may have a higher risk of getting HIV/AIDS, if they’re exposed to it. Take steps to protect yourself and your partner.
4. Don’t touch herpes sores.
Wash your hands with soap and water, if you touch a herpes sore. You can spread the virus from the genitals to other parts of your body during the first outbreak. But that is not common.
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