What are the long term effects of ...other than the social stigma.?

I can't say if the other people who answered this question have or not but take it from someone who knows. I've had for the last 26 years and, as my doctor said, it's just a pain in the a$$. Yes, it can get uncomfortable during an outbreak but it's nothing life threatening. Long term effects are practically non existant except it may put a cramp in your love life when you have an outbreak. As for the social stigma, the fact that someone has is between them and their partner (though it used to be covertly known as "the 's/slut's disease" on the umption that only promiscuous women got it. Bulls**t.) As for causing infertility, that claim is so bogus. I got it at the age of 18 and went on to have four children, all of which are fine. The only problem any of them have is my oldest gets cold sores, most likely because I gave her the virus during delivery (I wasn't diagnosed until after she was born.) But other than that she's perfectly healthy. Impotence, couldn't tell you but probably not since it has no effect on the reproductive systems. If you're still curious, go to the library and do some research on it or ask a doctor.