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Prevention From Genital Herpes.
There are multiple proven ways to prevent the acquisition and transmission of genital herpes. There are no "right" answers for prevention, and each patient must determine those best suited for his or her lifestyle. All patients diagnosed with genital herpes should be educated to recognize genital herpes outbreaks and given the option of daily suppressive therapy as a means to reduce genital herpes transmission. Measures for reducing transmission and acquisition of genital herpes include:

1. Disclosure of genital herpes infection to new partners. Although it may be difficult at first for patients to inform new partners that they have genital herpes, medical providers should encourage this important and necessary step to allow sex partners to make informed choices and, if appropriate, modify sexual practices to reduce the risk of transmission.
2. Abstinence during outbreaks. Once educated about the typically mild signs and symptoms of outbreaks, most patients are able to recognize symptomatic outbreaks.
3. Correct and consistent condom use. Male latex condom use can reduce transmission, especially during the first 6–12 months after initial infection.
4. Selection of partners with similar HSV serologic status or a history of genital herpes.
5. Chronic suppressive therapy. A recent major study demonstrated a 70% reduction in HSV transmission by infected patients using daily suppressive therapy. The reduction in disease and infection transmission may be attributable to both reduction of genital herpes recurrences and reduction of subclinical shedding.