Partner has Herpes

I met a new women a few months back and in this time we have been very close. well the other day i decided to ask her out, after all the time we spend toghther i am glad to finally do it. Well she says she has something to tell me and admits she has genital herpes, I was a little surprised but didnt show it, I held her and told her its ok and not her fault. I really like her and wish to have a relashinship with her. I am curious other then condoms and no sex during a break out what other forms of protection can be used to help prevent me from getting it from her. we have not had sex yet or anything close included any contact with private parts so i am know i am ok now.

[Still_Worried_]

It would be useful to know what type of genital herpes your partner has (HSV I or HSV II).

Do you know your HSV status?  There's over a 50% chance you already have HSV I and a 25% chance you already have HSV II.  Most infections are asymptomatic.

If she has genital HSV I, it doesn't shed very often & odds are you already have HSV I (cold sores) & are resistant to acquiring it genitally.

If she has HSV II, if she takes suppressive therapy and you use condoms, you are 98% likely to *NOT* get it.  That's the same risk if she was on the birth control pill.

Fellatio & cunnilingus is very low risk.  Mutual masterbation (masturbation) is zero risk.

Hope this helps.  The best of luck to you two. =)

[Theblank]

I do have HSV 1 oral have gotten cold sores sense i was a kid, she has both get cold sores and gential (genital) as HSV2 for the genital and HSV 1 oral. AS for a surpressive drug i dont think she takes any. Other then her first break out she only had one breakout other which was over a year ago.

[loz23]

Hi

I have had HSV2 for 7 years, only had 1 small initial outbreak at the start then nothing ever again. I have been with my partner for almost 5 years and we do not use a condom. He has never caught anything from me. Good luck :)

[gracefromHHP]

You should get tested to see what your own status is for hsv2 if you haven't been tested since your last partner. Most folks who have hsv2 have no idea they have it until tested so finding out your status is a good idea.

the risk of you contracting hsv2 from your partner is very low.  If you did nothing but avoid sex anytime she had anything going on genitally, you are 96% likely not to contract hsv2 from her each year. If she takes daily suppressive therapy and you also use condoms in addition to that, you are 99% likely each year not to contract hsv2 from her.  

keep asking questions!

grace

[Theblank]

Thanks for all the info everyone, it is very helpful