The best way to prevent genital herpes is to abstain from vaginal, oral and anal sex or to be in a long-term, monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

For people who are sexually active, using a latex condom during vaginal, oral or anal sex can reduce the risk of spreading the virus. For vaginal sex, a latex male condom or female polyurethane condom should be used. For anal sex, a male condom should be used and, for oral sex, a dental dam (rubbery material placed over the anus or vagina) should be used. It should be noted that condoms are not 100 percent effective in preventing the spread of genital herpes because sores can occur outside the area protected by the condom.

For those who have sex with an infected partner, the risk of transmission is greatest when an outbreak occurs but can occur even if no symptoms are present. Also, the possibility of spreading the virus is greatest during the first six months after first being infected. It is best to avoid sexual contact when symptoms are present and to use condoms in between outbreaks. Because herpes can be passed to the genitals from oral contact, it is best to abstain from oral sex if a cold sore is present.

In addition, there are a number of steps a person with herpes can take to reduce the frequency of outbreaks they experience. Frequency of herpes outbreaks may be reduced through stress management, getting plenty of rest, exercise and proper nutrition.