Herpes Myths
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The Myth
If you have been with your partner for several years and just found out that you have genital herpes, your partner must have been cheating on you.
The Reality
The fact that your partner has been diagnosed with genital herpes does not necessarily mean that he or she has been unfaithful to you. You or your
partner may have contracted the disease from another sexual partner a long time ago.
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The Myth
PAP smears can detect whether or not you have genital herpes.
The Reality
PAP smears are not designed to detect herpes simplex virus.
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The Myth
Cold sores are just a lip infection and are not associated with herpes.
The Reality
Cold sores are generally caused by herpes simplex type 1. This virus can also cause an initial outbreak of genital herpes if you have oral sex with
someone who has a cold sore.
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The Myth
Genital herpes can make you sterile.
The Reality
Genital herpes can not make you sterile. However, other STDs can make you sterile, so your doctor should test for these infections if you are
diagnosed with herpes.
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The Myth
If you have genital herpes, you can never have sex again.
The Reality
While you should always use a condom for extra protection, you can still have sex if you have genital herpes. BUT you should avoid sexual contact if
you have any sores (oral or genital) or symptoms.
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The Myth
You can get herpes from toilet seats.
The Reality
The genital herpes virus is a fragile virus that dries out when it is exposed to air. There have been no proven cases of genital herpes transmission
from a toilet seat.
