Asymptomatic shedding

[Kirbell]

I started seeing this guy and we had been talking for about a month when he told me he had genital herpes.  He said that he is on medication and hasnt had a breakout in 5 years.  He has had herpes for 21 years and has never passed it to either his exwife of 13 years or exgirlfriend of 3 years.  He said that he has recieve oral sex from them, without a condom and nothing was ever transmitted.  What is the chance I would get herpes if I give oral sex on him without a condom?  I know it can be shared when there is no outbreak, but he hasn't had an outbreak in 5 years, so would htere be shedding?

[gracefromHHP]

The number of ob's has little to do with the amount of shedding that is going on unfortunately.

I encourage you to read the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com for terrific info on genital herpes so you know how to reduce your risk of contracting herpes from your man.  Also since he's had herpes for 21 years, chances are good that he was never typed to know if it's hsv1 or hsv2 so he might want to consider doing that. You also will need a type specific herpes igg blood test to know what your own status is so that together you can both decide what precautions to take.  Also ask what medication he takes and how often. Find out if he only takes it when he has ob's or if he takes it every single day to prevent ob's.

Your risk of contracting genital herpes is pretty low in general.  Anything you do over and above avoiding sex during obvious symptoms just helps to put the odds even more in your favor.

grace