There’s an equal chance for anyone who is sexually active to contract genital herpes. Because of a highly contagious infection, herpes is very common. But many people with the virus don’t know they have had it. Until the virus is spread to others, they may realize the fact that they have contracted herpes. When you find out your partner has genital herpes, how your feeling is? Of course, you could be shocked and have a lot of questions. Here’re the frequently asked questions (FAQs) if your partner has genital herpes.

1. Could I Have Been Infected With Genital Herpes, Too?

When your partner has genital herpes, this FAQ may be the first one on your mind. The answer for it is depending on which types of intercourse you perform. It includes protected or unprotected sex. Also, it depends on how long you have been engaging with each other.

When you’ve had several times and use condoms each time, your risk will be lower than if you’ve had intercourse without protection for a long time. However, it still has an opportunity to get herpes during any sexual activity. Even though you haven’t seen any herpes symptoms, don’t always think that you’re clear. In fact, herpes usually doesn’t show up symptoms even if you’ve contracted it already. What’s more, herpes can be spread even if there’s no symptom.

2. How Can I Detect if I’ve Been Infected With Herpes?

If your partner has genital herpes, you’re more likely to have it. The simple way to find out whether you’ve been infected with herpes is to get tested. See your doctor and do some necessary tests to detect herpes.

A swab test is more accurate than blood tests, but it’s only done if you develop herpes blisters or sores in the genitals. Otherwise, your doctor may suggest IgG and IgM tests to look for antibodies for herpes that your immune system has made when you were infected. But positive blood test results don’t always mean you’re infected with genital herpes.

Related: What Does It Mean if You Have Positive Herpes IgG and IgM Test Results?

3. What Should I Do to Protect Myself from Genital Herpes?

It’s definitely one of the FAQs when your partner has genital herpes. The unhappy fact is there’s not 100% effective protection for herpes. That’s because the virus can be passed through the uncovered area. Even so, using condoms can lower your risk of getting the virus up to 90%. You should ask your partner to tell you if he/she notices early symptoms of a herpes outbreak. One more thing is to abstain from sex when your partner is developing a herpes infection. Let’s wait until the infection is healed to engage with sex and don’t forget to use protective methods.

4. Could My Partner Get Genital Herpes From a Toilet Seat?

It’s sometimes believed that genital herpes can be transmitted from public places, such as toilet seats or a hot tub. But in fact, this’s very rare. Many people who are in a monogamous relationship often doubt that their partners cheated them because of a herpes infection. Remember that, however, people can have had herpes for years or longer without realizing it. So, if your partner has genital herpes, both should have a conversation.

Even though your partner could have contracted this virus from a previous sexual partner, there’re other causes increase his/her risk for herpes. For example, he/she can get it from you while you even don’t know. This virus also spreads through sharing underwear with a person who has herpes. Along with that, using the same razors or clothes also the cause of genital herpes in your partner.

Related: Can You Get Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) From Toilet Seat?

5. Can Genital Herpes Be Treated?

The answer is “No”. There’s no cure for this virus, but it can be managed. If your partner has genital herpes, some treatments are available for the infection. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir are the common prescribed antiviral medications for herpes. These can help to alleviate the herpes symptoms and prevent further recurrences. Along with that, your partner can try certain OTC or ointment, like Prosurx. This cream is effective in getting rid of herpes on the skin’s surface and in deep skin layers. Thanks to that, it rapidly clears active outbreaks and stops herpes recurrence before they start. Home remedies are also another cure option for this virus, but you should test them before applying to avoid irritation.

6. What Should I Do to Help My Partner?

Some people can’t accept their partner who has a genital herpes infection and leave them to seek someone else. However, if you left your partner, you would have nearly one-fifth chance of meeting another man with this infection, or about one-fourth chance of having another woman who is contracted herpes. Thus, instead of leaving your partner alone, you should support him/her to cope with the disease.

If your partner doesn’t know how to dealing well, you can suggest joining a support group or need a doctor’s advice. Or when the infection is harming your relationship, both can try couple’s therapy.

Related: Why Am I Having More Frequent Herpes Outbreaks?

Genital herpes is a common STD for sexually active people. Because of an STD, you may be shocked if your partner has genital herpes. Then, a lot doubting questions appear in your mind which make you stressed out and full of doubt. But don’t worry, the answers for the above FAQs can help to put your mind at ease.