Know your STIs

What is it?

Herpes is a viral infection. Some people experience small, painful blisters around their genitals, butt and/or thighs equivalent to cold sores that people get on their lips. However, 80% of people with herpes never develop any symptoms.

How does someone get it?

You can get herpes by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who has herpes. People with herpes are most likely to transmit herpes if they are having an outbreak (when experiencing blisters or other symptoms), but they can also transmit the virus when they don’t have any blisters. Using barriers, such as condoms and dental dams, lowers the chances of getting herpes but does not prevent it entirely. Sharing unsanitized sex toys with partners who have herpes can also transmit the virus.

How can it be treated?

People with symptomatic herpes (as opposed to asymptomatic herpes, where there aren’t any symptoms) can take an antiviral medication that helps prevent, shorten, and lessen the severity of outbreaks. Using medication can also lessen the risk of transmitting herpes to sexual partners. It’s important to note that healthcare providers usually only test for herpes if someone is experiencing symptoms.