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New Partner who has HSC 2

I just started dating a gal who has HSV 2. She proactively informed me about it. She contracted it 10 years ago, and has not had an outbreak in 2 years. She has also been taking Valtrex (don't know the dose) daily for the past year. For my part, I have been tested multiple times for HSV 2 (IGG) and am negative. I do, however, have HSV 1.

With this in mind, I have a few questions. Apologies in advance if these are FAQs.

We have had unprotected vaginal sex on three occasions. At the time, and after having done some research, I figured the risk was low so I went ahead. However, I'm now more than a bit worried. What is the likelihood that I will contract this from her? It's been 7 days since our last encounter and I have no symptoms. As a precaution, we've both been tested for all other STDs and these are negative for me and her, so the outstanding isssue is HSV 2.

Additionally, does having HSV 1 give you any degree of immunity to HSV 2, given the similarity between the two viruses?

Lastly, how I should approach this possible relationship? I really like this gal, and want to date her, but as of now, I'm so scared of getting HSV 2 that it's all I think about. I know it wouldn't be fair to either of us if I can't let go of this fear. At the same time, I can't let go of the fear unless I can be convinced that the chances of me catching it are very, very small.

Thanks very much in advance for help.
4 Responses
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101028 tn?1419603004
sounds like you need to keep some lube handy  - the flavored ones can be fun though admittedly not going to win any awards for taste....lol.

It's still low risk - the odds of her shedding on daily suppressive therapy and no obvious symptoms is really low. Perhaps you should start wearing condoms in this relationship until you feel more confident in general about it all?  

grace
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Avatar universal
Grace,

Thank you very much for the informative and supportive reply. I had a follow-on question, though again this me being a little paranoid. Assuming she had no symptoms (and I think this is a safe assumption), would me having any abrasions on my penis increase the risk? The reason I ask is that prior to intercourse she performed oral sex and in the process used her hands, which roughed up my penis. This was not a gaping wound, mind you, but I could see obvious signs of chafing/loss of skin the next day.
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101028 tn?1419603004
If you and your gf did nothing but avoid sex anytime she had obvious genital symptoms, you are on average 96% likely each year NOT to contract her hsv2. Her being on daily suppressive therapy cuts your risk in half. Throw in condom use too and you are on average 99% likely each year NOT to contract hsv2 from her. That's the same odds of her becoming pregnant each year while just using the birth control pill.  Pretty good odds right?

Is it normal to be 2nd guessing yourself at this point? It sure is! This is all brand spankin new for you!  Kudo's to your gf for not only being open and honest with you about all of this but also to obviously have taken the time to educate herself better on how she can protect her partners :)  Also don't be afraid to talk to your gf about the way you are feeling about it all.  She's a terrific source of support for you!  It also sounds like you two have the makings of a decent relationship - you know you like her, she likes you :)  

grace

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Stefan,

If you have HSV1 yes, you can still get HSV2.. they are similar but still different viruses...  same as how ChickenPox is a Herpes virus but doesn't lower your chance of getting HSV1 or 2.

If you have not showed symptoms in 7 days, i would say you're ok.. with me when i caught HSV1 i had symptoms in 2 days after exposure...

In regards to catching it... the fact she is on Valtrex as a suppressor will lower the viral shedding by half which would be about 7.5 to 10% of days...  also use of condoms will lower this again and avoid sex if she had an outbreak...

Also it has recently been found that being Circumcised can lower the risk again... see: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090325180705.htm

I suggest downloading the Herpes Handbook and having a read.. I found it to be very helpful..  http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook.html  - it is free and you just click "download handbook" on the top.

I am not sure if having HSV1 will lessen the chance of getting HSV2.. i'll leave that to someone else to answer...
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