Genital herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it — including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Herpes can live on areas of your body that arent protected by condoms (like the butt cheeks, upper thighs, and labia), so condoms wont always protect you from herpes.

How easy is it to get herpes from someone who has it?

Herpes is easily spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. 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.

Can you have herpes and never pass it to your partner?

It turns out you can have herpes without knowing it, even in a monogamous relationship. Thats because even if there are no noticeable symptoms like small red bumps, white blisters, pain, or itching, you can still spread the viral cells and unknowingly infect a partner.

How long does it take to get herpes from your partner?

The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days (range, 2 to 12) after exposure. The vesicles break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial herpes infection.