There are a lot of herpes statistics that are thrown around these days. Here they all are in one place for your convenience. (To see a handy visual chart of population breakdown, download the free herpes disclosure e-book here.)
All statistics below are based on Americans 14-49 years old:
- All: 16.2% (over 25 million; 1 out of 6) have genital herpes
- 80% of all Americans have oral herpes
- Women: 20.9% of women have genital herpes
- Men: 11.5% of men have genital herpes
- Blacks: 39.2% of black Americans have genital herpes (48% of black women)
- Whites: 12.3% of white Americans have genital herpes
- 80% of Americans with genital herpes (HSV-2) are unaware of their infection (which is why it’s important for everyone to specifically request the herpes blood test with their STD screening)
- Up to 50% of new genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1, mainly through cases of oral herpes being passed through oral sex
Most statistics above were found on the CDC fact sheet on herpes.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of people have herpes?+
Herpes is extremely common. According to the World Health Organization, roughly two-thirds of the global population under age 50 has HSV-1, and about 13% has HSV-2. In the United States, the CDC estimates that about 1 in 6 people aged 14-49 has genital herpes (HSV-2), though most don't know it because they've never had noticeable symptoms.
What are the chances of passing herpes to a partner?+
In studies of discordant couples (one partner has herpes, the other doesn't), the annual transmission rate for HSV-2 from a male to a female partner is about 10% without any precautions. From female to male, it's about 4% per year. Daily antiviral medication cuts these rates roughly in half, and adding consistent condom use reduces them further.
How effective are condoms at preventing herpes transmission?+
Studies show that consistent condom use reduces the risk of herpes transmission by about 30-50%. Condoms are more effective at protecting women from contracting herpes from men than the reverse, because condoms cover more of the area where male shedding occurs. Condoms combined with daily antivirals provide the greatest protection.
How many people with herpes have never had symptoms?+
An estimated 80-90% of people with HSV-2 have never been diagnosed, often because their symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed or are mistaken for something else. Many people with herpes carry and can transmit the virus without ever knowing they have it, which is one reason herpes is so widespread.
Your next step
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8 audio guides covering disclosure, dating, sex, relationships, and self-acceptance
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A 25-minute call to talk through what you're facing (no judgment, just support)
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