Genital Herpes Myths: Debunking Misconceptions in Australia

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It’s surrounded by more myths and stigma than almost any other STI, which can cause a lot of unnecessary worry. The facts are more reassuring: herpes is common, often mild, and manageable, and most people with it go on to have healthy relationships and sex lives.

This article tackles the most common myths. For a fuller guide to the two virus types, symptoms and day-to-day management, see Understanding genital herpes: types, symptoms and living well.

The basics

Genital herpes is caused by one of two closely related viruses, HSV-1 or HSV-2. It’s passed on through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Once you have the virus, it stays in the body and can cause occasional outbreaks of blisters or sores. Many people have mild symptoms or none at all.

Myth 1: “Hardly anyone has herpes.”

Fact: It’s very common. According to healthdirect, around 1 in every 8 sexually active Australian adults has genital herpes. Many of them don’t know, because their symptoms are mild or absent.

Myth 2: “Cold sores and genital herpes are completely different.”

Fact: They’re caused by the same family of viruses. HSV-1, the usual cause of cold sores, can be passed to the genitals during oral sex and is now a common cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 can also, less often, affect the mouth. Avoiding oral sex when you or a partner has a cold sore helps reduce the risk.

Myth 3: “You can only catch herpes when someone has sores.”

Fact: Herpes is most easily passed on when blisters or sores are present, but it can also spread when there are no symptoms. This is called asymptomatic shedding. It’s one reason many people don’t know where or when they got herpes.

Myth 4: “If I’ve just been diagnosed, my partner must have cheated.”

Fact: Not necessarily. Because many people have no symptoms, someone can carry the virus for months or years before a first outbreak, or pass it on without ever knowing they have it. A new diagnosis doesn’t tell you when you were infected.

Myth 5: “You can catch herpes from toilet seats, towels or swimming pools.”

Fact: Genital herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. The virus doesn’t survive well on surfaces, and catching it from toilet seats, pools or spas isn’t a realistic concern.

Myth 6: “Condoms give complete protection.”

Fact: Condoms and dental dams lower the risk, but they don’t cover all the skin that can be affected, so they don’t eliminate it. Using them consistently, and avoiding sex during outbreaks or when you feel early warning signs such as tingling, gives the best protection.

Myth 7: “Herpes is dangerous to your long-term health.”

Fact: For most healthy adults, herpes is a nuisance rather than a danger. Outbreaks usually become milder and less frequent over time. It doesn’t affect fertility. The main exceptions are pregnancy and people with weakened immune systems, who should get medical advice.

Myth 8: “Having herpes means you can’t have a normal sex life or relationship.”

Fact: Many people with herpes have long, happy relationships. Telling partners, avoiding sex during outbreaks, using condoms and, where appropriate, ongoing antiviral treatment can greatly reduce the chance of passing it on. A GP can talk through options with you and your partner.

Myth 9: “Herpes can be cured.”

Fact: There’s no cure, and you should be wary of any product claiming to cure herpes. Prescription antiviral treatment can shorten outbreaks, reduce how often they happen, and lower the risk of passing the virus on. It works best when started early, ideally within a day or two of symptoms starting.

Myth 10: “A standard STI check will show if I have herpes.”

Fact: Herpes isn’t usually part of a routine STI screen. The most reliable test is a swab taken from a blister or sore, ideally within the first few days. Blood tests are available but have limits and aren’t routinely recommended for people without symptoms. A doctor can advise whether testing makes sense for you.

When to see a GP

• you have new blisters, sores, or tingling or pain in the genital area
• you think you’ve been exposed to herpes or another STI
• you have frequent or distressing outbreaks
• you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy and you or your partner has herpes
• you have a weakened immune system

When to get urgent help

Go to your nearest emergency department or call 000 if you:

• can’t pass urine
• have a severe headache with a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion or drowsiness
• have a painful red eye or sores near the eye
• feel very unwell

If you’re pregnant and develop genital sores, especially late in pregnancy, contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day.

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs can assess herpes symptoms confidentially by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time). Most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Your doctor can talk through your symptoms, arrange swab testing through our pathology referrals, prescribe antiviral treatment if clinically appropriate with an eScript sent to your phone, and arrange broader STI testing.

Herpes consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Without Medicare, private fees apply. See our fees page or read more about herpes treatment online.

Our sister service STI Doctor focuses on discreet, bulk-billed STI care, including genital herpes testing and treatment and online STI testing.

Frequently asked questions

How common is genital herpes in Australia?

Around 1 in every 8 sexually active Australian adults has genital herpes, according to healthdirect. Many don’t know they have it because their symptoms are mild or absent.

Can you get genital herpes from a cold sore?

Yes. The virus that usually causes cold sores can be passed to the genitals during oral sex. Avoid oral sex when you or your partner has a cold sore.

Can herpes spread when there are no sores?

Yes. It spreads most easily when sores are present, but it can also be passed on when there are no symptoms. Condoms, avoiding sex during outbreaks and antiviral treatment can lower the risk.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

No, but prescription antiviral treatment can shorten outbreaks, make them less frequent and reduce the risk of passing herpes on. Outbreaks also tend to become milder over time.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026