Aa
how contagious am i?
I was diagnosed w genital herpes 26 yrs ago and had 1 or 2 outbreaks a year for about 10 yrs. I did pass it to my husband who didn't seem concerned since we were entering into a "forever" relationship. Although stress seems to cause him to have an outbreak periodically, I have not had an outbreak in over 15 years. I have not been on any medications for it either. I am now, however, recently divorced and am concerned about infecting a new partner. I did not even know about "shedding" until researching the latest info on the disease. Will I never be free from the risk of infecting someone then? My understanding is that men can protect partners by use of a condom w/ or w/o symptoms, and yet a condom does not prevent a woman's partner even if she is symptom free? Also, w/o symptoms being present, can a man get Herpes from giving oral sex to me? Please advise. I am in love w someone now but do not want to infect him.
The risk of transmission stays the same whether you've been infected 2 years or 20+ years. it doesn't really get lower except after the first year or so of being infected.
Have you read the herpes handbook yet? google it - it's free to read online or print out at home. It's helpful for you and your partner.
you can get the risk to a male partner down to 1% /year of contracting hsv2 from you. very reasonable odds.
A partner can contract hsv2 from you from performing oral on you but the risk is small. You going on daily suppressive therapy would lower it even more as well as you can also utilize barrier protection for oral sex if you want too.
keep asking questions!
grace
Have you read the herpes handbook yet? google it - it's free to read online or print out at home. It's helpful for you and your partner.
you can get the risk to a male partner down to 1% /year of contracting hsv2 from you. very reasonable odds.
A partner can contract hsv2 from you from performing oral on you but the risk is small. You going on daily suppressive therapy would lower it even more as well as you can also utilize barrier protection for oral sex if you want too.
keep asking questions!
grace
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
