Between outbreaks, its OK to have sex, as long as your partner understands and accepts the risk that they may contract herpes. For example, as long as you dont have herpes sores on your mouth, you can perform oral sex on your partner, including when you have an outbreak of genital symptoms.

Is it possible to not get herpes from an infected partner?

It tends to be more common in women, possibly because it is more easily transmitted from men to women during sex. Other than abstaining from sexual contact, there is no proven way to completely prevent getting infected by your partner.

How easy is it to get herpes from a man?

You can get it when your genitals and/or mouth touch their genitals and/or mouth — usually during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Herpes can be passed even if the penis or tongue doesnt go all the way in the vagina, anus, or mouth. You dont have to cum to spread herpes. All it takes is some quick skin-to-skin touching.