Curated, honest recommendations. We only list things we'd actually use ourselves.
At-home testing has gotten genuinely good. These services send a collection kit, you provide a small blood sample, mail it back, and get results privately in a few days. Same IgG technology as clinic tests. Same important caveat about low-positive results needing Western Blot confirmation (see our testing guide).
One of the most established at-home STI testing companies. HSV-2 IgG test, results through secure app, nurse support included. Results in 2-5 days. Privacy-first packaging.
Get tested →Another solid at-home testing option with a wide range of tests. Includes a physician-reviewed test report. Good alternative if LetsGetChecked isn't available in your state.
Get tested →If you prefer in-person testing, Planned Parenthood clinics are completely judgment-free and often have sliding-scale fees. You can request an HSV-2 specific test explicitly.
Find a clinic →Telehealth services can prescribe antiviral medication after a brief online consultation. This means no awkward in-person conversation, no waiting rooms, prescription sent to your pharmacy or mailed directly. Legitimate licensed providers, real prescriptions.
Wisp is a sexual health-focused telehealth service. They handle HSV prescriptions routinely, no judgment. Complete a questionnaire, a provider reviews it, prescription sent to your pharmacy or mailed. Very straightforward process.
Visit Wisp →Nurx offers telehealth for sexual health including HSV treatment. Discreet packaging, licensed providers, prescriptions for suppressive or episodic antiviral treatment. App-based, easy to use.
Visit Nurx →Not sure which medication to ask for? Our antiviral comparison guide breaks down valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir with dosing, costs, and effectiveness data.
Compare antivirals →Dating with HSV-2 is possible and common. Some people prefer apps specifically designed for HSV+ people (disclosure already handled). Others use regular apps. Both approaches work. Here are the main options.
The largest dating site specifically for people with HSV and other STIs. Over 1.5 million members. Active community forums, dating profiles, and support groups. No need to have the disclosure conversation before matching.
Visit PositiveSingles →Meet People With Herpes (MPWH) is a focused herpes-specific dating platform. Smaller than PositiveSingles but tight-knit community. Good option for people who want a more community-oriented experience.
Visit MPWH →Planning to disclose on mainstream apps instead? Our disclosure guide has scripts for every situation, timing advice, and how to handle any reaction.
Read the guide →By Terri Warren, NP. Terri Warren is arguably the foremost herpes nurse practitioner in the US and has spent her career in HSV research and patient care. This book is practical, kind, and evidence-based. Highly recommended for anyone newly diagnosed.
Find on Amazon →An active, supportive, and largely kind community of people living with HSV. Great for real-world experiences, questions, and just feeling less alone. The FAQ sidebar alone is worth reading.
Visit r/Herpes →Beyond dating, PositiveSingles has active support forums where you can talk to other people navigating the same things. Focused, supportive, less noise than general Reddit.
Visit forums →Professional organization with resources, a support line, and referrals to local support groups. Good option if you want something more structured than online forums.
Visit ASHA →The CDC's official information page on genital herpes. Dry but accurate. Good for prevalence data and official treatment guidelines.
Visit CDC →World Health Organization global prevalence data and fact sheets on HSV-1 and HSV-2. Source for the 491 million worldwide figure.
Visit WHO →For the research-inclined: search "HSV-2" on PubMed to find peer-reviewed studies. Good for verifying specific claims and going deeper on any topic.
Visit PubMed →Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This doesn't affect which resources we recommend. We only list things we'd actually use.