Medical studies have shown that having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which causes open sores, such as genital herpes, can increase your risk of catching HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This association between genital herpes and the risk of catching HIV applies to men and women, whether they are homosexual or heterosexual. HIV-positive indiviuals are also at higher risk of transmitting HSV-2 than people who are HIV-negative. Bearing this in mind, it is sensible to practice safer sex at all times. See Also - Living with genital herpes      Living with genital herpes   Treating herpes in HIV-positive patients Treatment of genital herpes in the HIV-positive adult is generally no different than treatment in the HIV-negative individual. It can be given as episodic or suppressive treatment. However, in people who are HIV-positive, genital herpes outbreaks tend to happen more frequently and can be more severe. Suppressive therapy - that is, taking anti-viral medication every day to prevent future outbreaks - may be very helpful in cases where recurrences are frequent.