3 minutes read3 minutes readSummary:
- While condoms can reduce the risk of Herpes transmission, they can’t eliminate it entirely.
- Herpes can be transmitted through physical touch alone.
- Young adults under 30 still account for 44% of all Herpes testing, according to Better2Know data.
Condoms are one of the most effective tools we have for stopping the spread of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But using a condom isn’t a 100% guarantee that you won’t get infected. Herpes is a case in point.
How can Herpes get passed on, even if you’re practising safe sex? Keep reading to find out.
How is Herpes passed on?
Most people don’t know how most STIs get passed on. They generally assume that it happens sometime, somehow, during sex, and leave it at that. This can be very dangerous, since it can put people’s health at risk.
Herpes is a virus, like COVID or the flu. Unlike COVID or the flu, however, Herpes doesn’t spread through water droplets in the air. It mostly spreads through skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids.
That’s right – you can get Herpes simply by touching someone in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Specifically, you can get it through:
- Genital‑to‑genital contact
- Contact with sores and blisters
Why does this matter? Well, it matters because…
Condoms can’t always protect against Herpes
Condoms are great. The physical barrier they create between you and your sexual partner can halt the exchange of infected bodily fluids. They’re a literal shield against potential infections.
While it’s great to have this physical barrier (side note: unless you’re in a committed, monogamous relationship, condoms are always a good idea), that physical barrier isn’t perfect.
Think about what a condom is. It’s a tube of rubber that rolls over the penis, from the tip to the base. If you imagine a penis covered by a condom, what might not be covered by it?
Exactly: everything in the genital area besides the penis, like the testicles, pubic hair, and upper thighs.
This is important because Herpes can be transmitted by the skin. If your genitals touch where the condom isn’t covering, there’s a risk of transmission, especially if your infected partner is having an outbreak.
Because of this fact, many people are keenly aware of the infectiousness of Herpes. Young adults under 30 still account for 44% of all targeted Herpes testing at Better2Know, showing that many people understand the limits of protection and safe sex.
How effective are condoms at preventing infection?
When used consistently and correctly, condoms can reduce the risk of spreading STIs by up to 80-90%. They’re more effective at preventing infections transmitted only through bodily fluids. They’re less effective when protecting against STIs that spread through contact, like HPV, Herpes, and Syphilis.
Other ways to reduce the risk of Herpes
If you’re worried about the idea of getting Herpes, here are some things you can do to reduce your risk.
- Avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks
- Using condoms consistently
- Communicating openly with partners
Considering regular STI testing, even if you feel well
What if I think I got the infection?
If you notice sores, blisters, tingling, or unexplained irritation, you should get tested. But you should also get tested even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.
If you have any reason to think that you may have an STI, you should get tested. It’s always better to know your sexual health status than to leave it to chance.
FAQs
Is Herpes more likely to spread when there are symptoms?
Herpes is most infectious during an active outbreak, but it can still be transmitted when there are no visible symptoms.
Why is Herpes different from other STIs like Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea?
Herpes is a contact virus, meaning it spreads through skin contact rather than just through bodily fluids. This makes it harder to fully prevent with condoms alone.
Should I get tested for Herpes if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Many people with Herpes don’t have noticeable symptoms, which is why testing can still be useful even if you feel well.
Is a Herpes test included in standard STI screens?
Better2Know has a range of sexual health screens that include tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Final thoughts
Condoms can protect against Herpes, but only partially. That’s why people of all ages need to continue to get tested, even when they practise safer sex.
Call our 24/7 sexual health helpline to speak to a member of our Patient Services team. They will help you find a test that’s right for you, and can even book a test for you at a nearby clinic.
