SPEAK TO A COUNSELLOR (weekdays 9am-5pm)
Tollfree from a landline: 0508 11 12 13
From a mobile: 09 433 6526
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
TO EDUCATE
DONATE NOW
LGBTQIA+
The virus that causes herpes isn't choosy - any kind of sexual activity (oral, anal, penile or vaginal contact) can lead to infection. However, some types of sex definitely carry a higher risk of infection than others.
Lesbian women are at a slightly lower risk than heterosexual women.
The reverse is true for men who have anal sex with other men - they have a higher risk of infection compared with heterosexual men.
It has also been shown that having the herpes virus makes gay and bisexual men more susceptible to infection with HIV, so condom usage is particularly important for this group.
No matter what your gender or sexuality, the impact and effects of herpes infection are just the same.
The good news is that safer sex practices are much more widely accepted than they used to be, and practicing safe sex will reduce the likelihood of you being exposed to the herpes virus.
© Copyright
2025 New Zealand Herpes Foundation. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer / Security / Privacy
Website&SEObyOriginal Image