Does that mean I have herpes? You: Not necessarily. The virus isnt transmitted every time you have sex. But it might make you feel better to get tested and find out.

Can I give my partner HSV-1 if they already have it?

People who already have HSV-1 infection are not at risk of getting it again, but they are still at risk of acquiring herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genital infection (see below). The consistent and correct use of condoms can help to prevent the spread of genital herpes.

Is it harder for a man to get herpes from a woman?

The general rate of transmission of a person who has had herpes to their regular partner is about 10 percent per year, but the annual rate rises if the infected partner is a male. Unfairly, the female partner has a 20 percent chance of becoming infected, while the male partners risk is less than 10 percent.