Aa
Don't understand herpes transmission - mucosal membrane/abraded skin necessary?
Dear community, I have read alot of information about herpes transmission online but am getting stuck with this issue. Most sources say that HSV is spread by DIRECT CONTACT between lesions or fluids of the infected individual and mucosal membrane/abraded skin of the recipient. Then other sources say that condoms are not 100% effective (they only reduce the risk by 30-50% for the man) because they don't protect areas not covered. Then there is the statistic whereby a discordant couple have a 2-4% probably (can't remember exactly) of HSV transmission a year even when condoms are used. I have several related questions.
1. The scrotum is not considered to be a mucosal membrane, right? So if someone with oral herpes performed oral sex on the scrotum, or if the female membranes rubbed against the scrotum during sex, the virus should not be able to enter through the scrotum?
2. I am surprised/worried that even with condom usage there is still a significant risk of transmission to the male. If the above regarding the scrotum is correct, then the head of the penis (glans) is the only part of the male genitalia (excluding anus, but I don't plan on involving that part in sex) with mucosal membranes, right? Does that mean that there is always some broken skin near the genital area that the virus succeeds at getting at?
3. Related to the questions above, how can I reduce the risk of contracting HSV either via oral sex or intercourse when a condom is on? Avoid oral sex on the testes/anus? Wear shorts to cover up rest of skin and only expose the condom-covered penis?
4. Can HSV1/HSV2 enter through other parts of the body except for the mouth/genitals, and if so, what happens? For example, if an HSV positive individual licks my nipple, and there was a small cut that I didn't see there, what could happen?
Thanks in advance!
1. The scrotum is not considered to be a mucosal membrane, right? So if someone with oral herpes performed oral sex on the scrotum, or if the female membranes rubbed against the scrotum during sex, the virus should not be able to enter through the scrotum?
2. I am surprised/worried that even with condom usage there is still a significant risk of transmission to the male. If the above regarding the scrotum is correct, then the head of the penis (glans) is the only part of the male genitalia (excluding anus, but I don't plan on involving that part in sex) with mucosal membranes, right? Does that mean that there is always some broken skin near the genital area that the virus succeeds at getting at?
3. Related to the questions above, how can I reduce the risk of contracting HSV either via oral sex or intercourse when a condom is on? Avoid oral sex on the testes/anus? Wear shorts to cover up rest of skin and only expose the condom-covered penis?
4. Can HSV1/HSV2 enter through other parts of the body except for the mouth/genitals, and if so, what happens? For example, if an HSV positive individual licks my nipple, and there was a small cut that I didn't see there, what could happen?
Thanks in advance!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi.
1. correct
2. The head of the penis is a rare place to have outbreaks and i spoken to one doctor specializing with herpes that has never seen a case and you can all washington state at the western blot clinic and have terri warren confirm this. Something to do with the skin texture or nerves in that area.
3. Avoid outside of the condom contact and use a dental dam for oral
4. very rare on the breast area.
the most important thing to know about contracting herpes, other then when someone has an obvious lip or genital blister is the risk group. Most at risk are in long term mono relationships where one partner is infected. Its not that easy to contract it as your suggesting as couples can go for years have unprotected sex even when a sore is there and still not contract it.
1. correct
2. The head of the penis is a rare place to have outbreaks and i spoken to one doctor specializing with herpes that has never seen a case and you can all washington state at the western blot clinic and have terri warren confirm this. Something to do with the skin texture or nerves in that area.
3. Avoid outside of the condom contact and use a dental dam for oral
4. very rare on the breast area.
the most important thing to know about contracting herpes, other then when someone has an obvious lip or genital blister is the risk group. Most at risk are in long term mono relationships where one partner is infected. Its not that easy to contract it as your suggesting as couples can go for years have unprotected sex even when a sore is there and still not contract it.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs 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.
