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STDs (Expert Forum)
Herpes: Sexual + Non-sexual transmission issues
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Herpes: Sexual + Non-sexual transmission issues
by np1122, Nov 09, 2007 11:46AM
I have genital herpes, although whether it is HSV-1 or 2 is unknown. I had a primary infection 4 years ago and 3 recurrences, with none now for 16 months. I have a new partner and I am trying to ensure that I do not pass the vrius on to her. We have engaged primarily in masturbation, but I want to allay my fears or identify the risks of other activities. Specifically:
1. How risky is contact with my penis on other parts of her body such as her breasts and stomach? If she is masturbating me (with her pants on) and there is contact with my penis on her exposed skin (undamaged skin, lube being used, etc), is there risk of transmission?
2. What about contact with semen? Is there risk that my semen on her skin (not in her genital area) will transmit the virus to her?
3. If I have genital herpes, is there any risk that I would transmit it if I performed oral sex on her? To clarify, if we assume I have HSV-2, can it be passed from my mouth to her genitals through oral sex?
1. How risky is contact with my penis on other parts of her body such as her breasts and stomach? If she is masturbating me (with her pants on) and there is contact with my penis on her exposed skin (undamaged skin, lube being used, etc), is there risk of transmission?
2. What about contact with semen? Is there risk that my semen on her skin (not in her genital area) will transmit the virus to her?
3. If I have genital herpes, is there any risk that I would transmit it if I performed oral sex on her? To clarify, if we assume I have HSV-2, can it be passed from my mouth to her genitals through oral sex?
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, Nov 09, 2007 01:04PM
, Nov 09, 2007 01:04PMTo: np1122
Most persons who have recurrent genital herpes have the HSV-2 virus. The frequency of recurrences is much lower with genital herpes due to HSV-1. The best way to be sure is to get a blood test based on the herpes gG-protein Your partner might consider one as well, 8 to 9 out of 10 American with genital herpes do not know they have it. As for your questions:
1. Transmission can occur due to asymptomatic shedding of the virus even if you are not having an outbreak. Safer sex with condoms will greatly reduce the likelyhood of this happening. With respect to contact of your penis on her breast or stomach, it can occur but is rare. Intact skin is a good protection from herpes acquisiton.
2, Contact with semen does not change the risk of herpes transmission per se. Thus semen on her abdomen or breasts is low risk. Conact with the more susceptible skin of the vagina is higher risk.
3, Your genital herpes will not be transmitted to her by oral sex. The virus stays put. Thus it is contact with your genitals that will transmit your genital herpes to others. If you have cold sores and practice oral sex, that puts her at rish from getting genital herpes from contact of your mouth with her genitals.
Hope this helps. EWH
