Herpes Pt 3: How to talk about it with a partner - Play Safe
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Visit the blog

What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]

Been diagnosed with an STI? Now what?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]

Why we love lube (and you will too)

Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]

Talking to your doctor about sexual health

Does the thought of talking to your doctor about sexual health give you butterflies or send a shiver down your spine?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s our top tips to make chatting to your doctor about sex a whole lot easier.

Talking about herpes can be hard. Stigma exists. But it’s important to let any new sexual partners know if you’ve been diagnosed with herpes. This allows people to make informed decisions for themselves. The more we talk about herpes openly, the less power that stigma has. Here are my tips for how do that:

  • Before bringing up herpes with a new partner, remind yourself of the facts (see Herpes Pt 1).  
  • Choose a private moment and be confident. How you present the information can have a big impact on how people feel about it. You’re not making a confession; you haven’t done anything wrong! You’re letting them know you have a common, usually mild, skin infection.
  • Don’t forget that there’s a pretty good chance the person you’re talking to already has herpes (even if they don’t know it!). Preventing transmission goes both ways. If you only have one type, you can still get the other.
  • Let your partner know where to find accurate information about herpes if they need time to do their own research. Refer them here or to www.herpes.org.nz or suggest they call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink for more information.

Also check out

Herpes Pt 1: Everything you need to know
Herpes Pt 2: How to avoid passing it on

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