# Can I get genital herpes from someone who doesn't have any visible sores?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores
Language: en
Category: infectious
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.189Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.189Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores

Yes, it is possible to contract genital herpes from someone who does not have any visible sores or apparent symptoms. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted through sexual contact and can spread even when there are no active sores. This occurs because the virus can be present on the skin and shed from it, even in areas without visible lesions, or before or immediately after sores appear [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S1>).

Many people with genital herpes have no symptoms at all, or they may have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed as other skin conditions, such as pimples or ingrown hairs. For this reason, most people with the infection do not realize they are carriers [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S1>).

## How is genital herpes transmitted without symptoms?

Genital herpes is transmitted through direct contact with herpes sores, typically during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, the virus can be present on the skin even if there are no sores. If someone comes into contact with the virus on the skin of an infected person, they can become infected [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S2>). This happens because the virus can be shed from the skin in the genital or oral areas, even in the absence of visible sores [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S1>).

## The importance of communication and prevention

Because of the potential for genital herpes to be transmitted even without visible symptoms, open communication with sexual partners is crucial. If you have herpes, you should inform your partner, even if you do not have symptoms [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S3>). Correct and consistent use of condoms can help reduce the risk of transmission, but it does not provide complete protection because the virus may be present in areas not covered by the condom [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S1>).

## Living with the infection and reducing risks

Although there is no cure for genital herpes, there are antiviral medications that can help manage the condition and reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S1>). Taking these medications daily as suppressive therapy can also reduce the likelihood of transmitting the infection to sexual partners [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S2>). It is important to avoid sexual contact during visible outbreaks or herpes episodes, but be aware that transmission is possible even without these symptoms [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S1>).

If you are concerned about genital herpes or believe you may have been exposed to the infection, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. Herpes can be diagnosed by examining existing sores or taking a sample from them for testing. In the absence of sores, a blood test can be used to detect antibodies to the virus [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#source-S1>). For more information on prevention, treatment, and living with the infection, you can visit [Genital Herpes: Prevention, Treatment, and Living with the Infection (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/genital-herpes-prevention-treatment-living-with-infection>).

## Medical references

- [About Genital Herpes](<https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/>)

- [Genital Herpes](<https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/genital-herpes>)

- [Genital herpes](<https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000857.htm>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-i-get-genital-herpes-from-someone-without-visible-sores#answer