Rise in Genital Herpes Diagnoses Highlights Ongoing Need for Sexual Health Adviser Support
- June 18, 2026
- 6 min read
“As a Sexual Health Adviser working in a busy sexual health service in London, we frequently see people attending with symptomatic HSV.
In our experience, we find they don’t just need practical support with managing the symptoms and treatment, but also psychological support with how they feel about HSV.
Whilst we always normalise HSV and explain how common it is, we find that there is a lot of stigma attached to this diagnosis.
We are constantly trying to de-stigmatise herpes but find that there is a lot of secrecy and anxiety around this infection and worry about how to tell sexual partners.
Our aim is to always to help, reassure, support and educate on what is an often misunderstood and anxiety-causing issue.”
Ceri Evans
Senior Sexual Health Adviser, Hammersmith Broadway Clinic, London.
New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that diagnoses of genital herpes in England are increasing, despite an overall decline in sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In 2025, nearly 29,000 people were diagnosed with genital herpes – a 3% rise compared to the previous year. This contrasts with an 8% fall in total STI diagnoses, which decreased from around 364,000 to 334,000. Declines were seen in several infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
For Sexual Health Advisers and services, this trend highlights the continuing importance of accessible testing, timely diagnosis and person-centred support.
Genital herpes is a very common viral infection that spreads through skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms, and can also pass from a cold sore to the genital area.
Diagnoses fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to reduced access to services and fewer people seeking testing. Since then, case numbers have risen again, although they remain below pre-pandemic levels (around 35,000 cases in 2019).
Sexual Health Advisers are central to the delivery of high-quality, holistic care within clinics and community services. Their work goes beyond testing and treatment to include:
- Confidential one-to-one emotional and practical support for patients following diagnosis
- Risk assessment and personalised advice tailored to individuals’ needs around herpes
- Health promotion and education to support safer sexual behaviours
In the context of rising genital herpes diagnoses, Sexual Health Advisers are key in helping individuals understand the condition, recognise symptoms, manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk. They also help address stigma and anxiety, which can often accompany herpes
Sexual Health Advisers and clinicians support individuals with practical strategies to reduce STI transmission:
- Use condoms and dams during vaginal, anal and oral sex
- Avoid sex if sores, blisters or early symptoms (tingling or itching) are present
- Clean or cover sex toys between uses
- How to talk to sexual partners about herpes
The rise in genital herpes diagnoses highlights the need for continued investment in sexual health services and the vital contribution of Sexual Health Advisers. Through education, prevention, early diagnosis and compassionate care, Sexual Health Advisers play a crucial role in improving outcomes and reducing transmission and stigma.
Ensuring easy access to services—alongside accurate information and stigma-free support—remains essential for protecting and promoting sexual health across all communities.
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Senior Sexual Health Adviser, Hammersmith Broadway Clinic, London.