A person with herpes needs to be aware of symptoms of an outbreak to protect partners from infection. However, it is important to note that herpes can be passed on even if there are no symptoms or visible signs of an outbreak on the skin. Avoid kissing and oral sex if there are herpes lesions on the mouth or lips. Avoid sex during an outbreak of genital herpes or as soon as you become aware of symptoms. These suggestions should be followed until one week after the sores have completely gone.
Condoms help to prevent the transmission of herpes.
However, because herpes is transmitted by skin to skin contact transmission can still occur even when condoms are used because the condom may not cover affected areas. It does not matter whether your are male or female, if you put your mouth in contact with your partner's anus or vulva while having sex you will need to use a dental dam. Many people cope well, informing their partners and avoiding sex at times of highest risk of passing the infection on. As mentioned above genital herpes is quite common. For many people genital herpes becomes a minor annoyance that they are able to work around.