Myths about Genital Herpes...

The following are NOT true

• That it is fatal (except for newborns, and this is rare, or if it affects the brain, which is very uncommon)
• That it only affects the genital area - it can affect any part of the body
• That condoms are completely effective in preventing the transmission of herpes
• That you can catch herpes (or pass it on) only when you have symptoms
• That it can make you sterile (it can't)
• That a cervical (pap) smear can detect herpes (it can't)
• That only promiscuous people get herpes. It is now so common that anyone is at risk, with the exception of lifelong monogamous couples (in the case of genital herpes). Of course, the more sexual partners you have the more likely you are to contract the disease.