A herpes diagnosis can come with a whole lot of stigma, but it shouldn't. Around 15% of us carry the antibodies to genital herpes, making it one of the most common STIs in Australia.

Yumi Stynes finds out what it's like hearing you have herpes for the first time and how to best manage. From itching to tell partners to soothing your symptoms and how to keep sex humming. 

Plus, STI expert Dr Ellie Freedman explains the science behind the virus and how it changes over time.

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You can binge more episodes of Ladies, We Need to Talk on the ABC listen app (in Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.  

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This episode will answer questions like: 

• What is genital herpes?
• What does it feel like to get genital herpes?
• What's the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2?
• How is herpes spread?
• Why is there stigma around herpes?
• How do people manage genital herpes?
• How are relationships and sex impacted by herpes?

This episode contains references to genital herpes, herpes simplex virus type one, herpes simplex virus type two, antibodies, sexual health, womens health, shame, stigma, mental health, vagina, vulva.