HSV2 - Atypical outbreak area & fluid transmission

[Bkiddo76]

Hello!  For some reason the link to pay $15 to ask a question to the doctor is not working so I'm wondering if anybody here might be able to help me.

I've had HSV2 for a little over 3 years now.  The only outbreaks I have ever gotten have been on my butt cheek.  I get a nickle-sized rash right in the center of one butt cheek; used to be every 6 months but has lessened to maybe once every 8 or 9 months.  

My question is this:  does anybody know if using a condom is doing me any good in preventing transmission since the sores are in a place that his skin is still coming in contact with?  Additionally, can I still transmit HSV2 through vaginal fluids even though I've never had an outbreak inside my vagina?

Thanks!!

[ali-jay]

Not sure I can really help you, but I believe that the virus can be present in bodily fluids, and that it may be possible for shedding to occur, although risk of transmission is extrememly low.

Therefore, a condom, in my opinion is probably still helpful, but it probably doesn't make that much difference in your circumstances.

Risk of female to male transmission is as little as 5% per year, this data being based on couples having unprotected sex two to three a week. This risk is lessened with use of suppressive meds, - but I'm sure you know this already.

Good luck.

AJ

[Bkiddo76]

AJ,

Thank you very much for your opinion.  I had a suspicion, as well, that they are less effective in my particular case.  My understanding was that the shedding from the outbreak site was what caused transmission.  Granted, if you get internal sores, the fluid would pass by those areas and possibly carry the virus, but I don't think the fluid actually carries the virus, otherwise.

I'll keep looking but I appreciate your input.  I'm hoping I'll find someone who's actually had the opportunity to ask a doctor about it.  There aren't many doctors by me who are "experts" in this area, so they'd probably end up asking around just as I am!

Take care,
BK

[ali-jay]

With regards to hsv-1, I have read that amounts of the virus are detectable in saliva, especially during shedding.

There is no reason to believe that the same is not true for hsv-2, with regards to vaginal secretions. I'm sure googling your question would bring about some satisfactory answers to your question.

AJ