Anonymous: How do I find out if I have herpes? I've heard that other things can cause sores that look like it, but I don't know how to tell the difference. Is it possible to have genital herpes if I've never been sexually active?

Hi anon,

The only way to know for sure if someone has an STD is to see a health care provider and be tested. You can get tested at free or low-cost and confidential clinics near you. Find clinics here.

Herpes can be transmitted from genital skin-to-skin contact. So when you say “never been sexually active” that really depends on how you define sexually active. Someone who has never engaged in oral, anal or vaginal sex can still get herpes if they have engaged in kissing without clothes on with a partner. Herpes can also be transmitted during unprotected oral sex if the partner performing oral sex has oral (mouth) herpes, which can they be transmitted to the genitals.

To learn more about herpes and how it can be transmitted check out this FAQ from our website.

I hope this helps!