A few years ago, back when I was regularly trolling OKCupid for dates, I received a message from a potential paramour. He’d been scanning through the survey answers associated with my profile, and one response in particular gave him pause: when asked whether I’d consider dating someone with herpes, I’d responded no. It wasn’t some carefully considered stance on sexual transmitted infections, or grand statement about herpes.

For him, however, it was a potential deal breaker: As you’ve probably figured out by now, my suitor was a member of that vast group of sexually active adults who’ve been infected with herpes.

Although there is a societal stigma around genital herpes, it’s much more Positive Singles is the web’s biggest dating site for HSV-1 and HSV-2 positive.

How exactly does herpes spread? Despite the millions really! Regardless, the end result is that dating with herpes can feel daunting. You’re probably wondering at least three things: if you need to tell a potential partner that you have genital or even oral herpes, and when and how to do so. Plus, you’re probably at least a little curious about safer sex precautions.

For more on herpes, check out our Herpes Simplex Condition Center. You don’t want that to be you. Herpes Simplex 2—and Why the Difference Matters. The hardest part may be deciding how to broach the subject. You never know—your partner may divulge he or she also has herpes. Baldwin says. You could start the conversation by mentioning cold sores , then move into the subject of genital herpes.