The Reality of Passing HSV2 onto my Negative Partner

I was diagnosed with HSV2 about 5 years ago, but never had a single symptom until LAST WEEK, when i broke out with one tiny lesion that is healing after 2 days. I was involved in a few long-term relationships where we had unprotected sex and none of my partners (males) ever contracted the disease from me. I have a very strong immune system and am never sick at all.

After all this time and no signs, i rather convinced myself that i did not have it, and that the test was just wrong, or i had somehow suppressed the virus. I had unprotected sex with a new love interest two weeks ago.

I have read that the chances of spreading from female to male are 4%. Is this realistic? Is it possible that it is lower with someone like myself who has such light symptoms? or could it manifest itself more strongly in a person i infect?

I am struggling with the reality of infecting this new person, and whether the pain and inconvenience of condoms, the shame of admittance, the cost of medication, all these things - are worth the 3% reduction in chance of transmission.

thanks,
G

[gracefromHHP]

Have you talked about your herpes with your new partner? has he been tested to know his own status?

I'm going to assume you were originally diagnosed via blood test. can you call and get the actual results to post here for me so we can see if you need additional testing to confirm your infection or not? All I need to see are the actual numeric results -e.g. hsv1 igg 5.9 and hsv2 igg 2.3 or whatever they are.

Yes indeed the 4% risk/year of transmission with just avoiding sex during symptoms is realistic!  It actually has been confirmed in several studies over the years.  You really are not a walking biohazard and the virus isn't as easy to transmit as folks assume it is if you are aware of your infection and take even minimal precautions.

The "severity" of your symptoms is meaningless as far as risk of transmission. You shed the virus about the same amount whether you have 0 ob's a year or 10 ob's a year.  

keep asking questions!

grace