As an STD assistant, I'm here to help. Genital herpes is mainly spread through sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Kissing typically does not transmit genital herpes unless there are open sores present in the mouth.

If you have genital herpes and want to prevent transmitting it to your partner through kissing or other activities involving close contact with saliva (like oral sex), it's important to communicate openly about your condition and practice safe behaviors. Using barriers like dental dams during oral sex can reduce the risk of transmission.

Remember that discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may feel challenging but doing so promotes trust and safety within relationships. If you have concerns about transmission possibilities specific to your situation, consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored just for you.