The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals with genital herpes tell partners about carrying the herpes virus prior to sexual initiation. However, the limited research on genital herpes disclosure timing indicates that disclosure often occurs after sexual initiation and is prompted by other relationship milestones, such as establishing an exclusive partnership. The purpose of this study was to describe genital herpes disclosure timing with respect to both sexual and romantic relationship milestones using a quantitative methodology to understand which milestones are associated with disclosure. Data were collected through an online survey. To be included in the present analysis, participants (n = 92) had to indicate they were 18 years of age or older, had genital herpes, and had oral, anal, or vaginal sex since their diagnosis. Eighty percent (n = 74) disclosed their status to their last sexual partner. Among individuals who performed the following activities, 59% disclosed prior to having oral or vaginal sex and 56% prior to anal sex. With the progression of relationship milestones, higher levels of disclosure occurred: 14% disclosed before a first date whereas 73% disclosed before marriage. Disclosure was significantly associated (p <.05) with romantic relationship milestones, but not sexual milestones with the exclusion of anal sex. Disclosure often occurred after potential exposure to the genital herpes virus through sexual contact. Preliminary findings suggest that individuals with genital herpes may disclose their status more commonly in response to romantic relationship milestones, as opposed to sexual milestones as the CDC recommendation suggests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]