The Facts
The aim of this information is to improve understanding of what genital herpes is and what it means, so that it is easier to live with. Genital herpes is surrounded by myths and misinformation that lead, all too often, to fear, anguish and self-persecution.
Included is information on medical aspects and treatment of the infection, as well as sexual relationships and pregnancy. [Read]

Treatment
Frequent or severe outbreaks of genital herpes can interfere with your work, social activities and disrupt your sex life. The following information is about the use of oral antiviral medicines along with other treatments in controlling recurrent genital herpes. [Read]

Herpes and Relationships
Many people do not feel comfortable talking about sexuality and sexual health issues. [Read]

What it Means for Partners
Your partner has genital herpes. Your support may be very important in helping him or her to deal with this condition, which can also directly affect you. [Read]

Facial Herpes
Facial herpes is a very common condition that is caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually affects the area around the mouth and nose. It is frequently referred to as 'cold sores', but is also known as 'fever blisters', 'sun blisters', herpes labialis or orofacial herpes.Facial herpes is a very common condition that is caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually affects the area around the mouth and nose. It is frequently referred to as 'cold sores', but is also known as 'fever blisters', 'sun blisters', herpes labialis or orofacial herpes. [Read]

Herpes and Sex
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the world. It is a viral infection that is spread by close contact with somebody who has been infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Anyone who is sexually active can become infected with genital herpes. It is not life-threatening but unlike most other STDs, it is a lifelong condition. This section of the website discusses the potential impact that herpes can have on sexual relationships. [Read]

Reducing your Risk
This section of the website aims to show how you can help to protect yourself against the risk of being infected with genital herpes and also, how to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. [Read]

Clinical Trials
Choosing to take part in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. This section of the IHA website describes the different types of clinical trial and outlines some of the factors to be considered when you decide whether to take part in a trial. [Read]

Talking to your Dr
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) world-wide. It is not life-threatening but unlike most other STDs, it is a lifelong condition. You are the only person who can truly manage your herpes, but there is no doubt that a good relationship with your doctor or other healthcare provider is
important [Read].

Further Reading
Links and references to further information on herpes, from books to websites. [Read]

Herpes and Pregnancy
As an expectant parent eagerly awaiting the birth of your new baby, you are probably taking a number of steps to ensure your baby's health. [Read]

Primary Care Guidelines
To help raise the standard of care for herpes patients the International Herpes Management Forum (IHMF) developed a set of management guidelines known as “Pathways of care for managing genital herpes”. Produced by a team of experts, they have been developed as diagrams or treatment algorithms, making them as easy to follow as possible.[Read]

Taking Control and Protecting your Partner
If you are diagnosed with genital herpes, you are not the only person affected. Since it can be transmitted through sexual contact, herpes will also have an impact on your intimate relationships. It is recommended that you talk with partners about herpes so that they can become educated about the condition and discuss the options for reducing the risk of transmission. In some cases, a partner will already have the infection, or if they are unsure, they may be willing to be tested. Some people are infected without displaying any obvious symptoms. [Read]

Common Questions
For a person first learning they have genital herpes, receiving accurate information about the infection can be critical to them being able to live with the condition and seeing it in perspective. Unfortunately, many myths and misinformation abound and this can lead to unnecessary fear and anguish. The aim of this section is to answer some of the most common questions asked by people with genital herpes. [Read]

IHMF Primary Care Toolkit
Managing Genital Herpes is a primary care toolkit developed and approved by the International Herpes Management Forum (IHMF). It has been designed as an easy reference resource for primary care healthcare professionals who manage genital herpes and includes information on diagnosis, treatment and counselling of patients. Managing Genital Herpes is available as a downloadable PDF file from the Physicians' Resources section of the IHMF website (ihmf.org).[Read]