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New Serodiscordant Relationship....questions about HSV2 transmission for Grace (or others)
I'm in a new relationship with a guy who has HSV-2. I've done a lot of reading and feel pretty well informed, but wanted to double check a couple of things.
1.If he is on a daily supressant therapy and we use condoms for vaginal intercourse, the risk is pretty low, correct? How low?
2.How long after an outbreak (after symptoms have disappeared) should we wait to have sex?
Oral sex: He only has HSV2 and not 1. I'm not sure of my status but have only had 3 monogamous relationships in my life, none of which had symptoms for herpes and I've never had a cold sore etc. I do think I will get tested in a few months, since my exposure is recent.
3. So oral sex: if he doesn't have HSV-1 or a cold sore and gives me oral sex I think I can assume I'm not at risk. What are the risks for me giving him oral sex if he has HSV2 and doesn't have symptoms of an outbreak?
I feel, at this point, that the risk is totally worth it. But I'm also not sure how long term the relationship will be due to geography, etc... so would like to know my risk. Although I know the risk exists, it is not something I'd like to have to tell all future partners and deal with in my daily life. However, he also has such a healthy attitude about it, I know that it wouldn't be the end of my life as I know it.
Thanks
1.If he is on a daily supressant therapy and we use condoms for vaginal intercourse, the risk is pretty low, correct? How low?
2.How long after an outbreak (after symptoms have disappeared) should we wait to have sex?
Oral sex: He only has HSV2 and not 1. I'm not sure of my status but have only had 3 monogamous relationships in my life, none of which had symptoms for herpes and I've never had a cold sore etc. I do think I will get tested in a few months, since my exposure is recent.
3. So oral sex: if he doesn't have HSV-1 or a cold sore and gives me oral sex I think I can assume I'm not at risk. What are the risks for me giving him oral sex if he has HSV2 and doesn't have symptoms of an outbreak?
I feel, at this point, that the risk is totally worth it. But I'm also not sure how long term the relationship will be due to geography, etc... so would like to know my risk. Although I know the risk exists, it is not something I'd like to have to tell all future partners and deal with in my daily life. However, he also has such a healthy attitude about it, I know that it wouldn't be the end of my life as I know it.
Thanks
You should go get yourself a type specific herpes igg blood test for hsv1 and hsv2. You two can't make educated decisions about what precautions to take until you do so. I know you said your last possible exposure was fairly recent but if you get tested now and are negative then you two can take full precautions to reduce your risk.
If he's on daily suppressive therapy your risk is cut in half. Throw in condoms too and you are looking on average at a 2-3% risk each year of you contracting hsv2 from him. It could happen but it's not likely to. Most discordant couples who utilize precautions stay that way for a long, long time.
When he has an ob - wait until the skin is back to normal before having sex again.
As for oral sex - you could contract hsv2 orally but you aren't likely to. It happens but not often. Only about 3% of all oral herpes infections are due to hsv2. If you feel more comfortable - utilize barrier protection. It doesn't have to be a thick, $$$$ dental dam/oral dam - it can be saran wrap even. His taking daily suppressive therapy reduces your already low risk even more.
If you end up being completely hsv negative - look into the herpevac vaccine trials ( google it ). Might be worthwhile for you.
If he's on daily suppressive therapy your risk is cut in half. Throw in condoms too and you are looking on average at a 2-3% risk each year of you contracting hsv2 from him. It could happen but it's not likely to. Most discordant couples who utilize precautions stay that way for a long, long time.
When he has an ob - wait until the skin is back to normal before having sex again.
As for oral sex - you could contract hsv2 orally but you aren't likely to. It happens but not often. Only about 3% of all oral herpes infections are due to hsv2. If you feel more comfortable - utilize barrier protection. It doesn't have to be a thick, $$$$ dental dam/oral dam - it can be saran wrap even. His taking daily suppressive therapy reduces your already low risk even more.
If you end up being completely hsv negative - look into the herpevac vaccine trials ( google it ). Might be worthwhile for you.
Hope this helps you. My husband is hsv 1 pos and has had cold sores all his life. I had vaginal tears and worried and wondered for yrs if I had herpes. Well, my blood test says yes, I have hsv 2. Had neg cultures in the past so who knows and with the next irritation, I will get cultured, trust me, I have had it. Anyway, point is after nearly 15 yrs, I have hsv 2 and not 1 and he has hsv 1 and not 2, go figure. Crazy, huh? I have been with him with tears, redness, swelling, etc. vaginally and he has never had a problem. I have accidentally kissed him when he had a cold sore and I have never gotten it. He has done oral sex with me without cold sores, obviously and I don't have hsv 1. I don't know if this well help, hope so. Trust me, I am still trying to figure out this mysterious virus myself. Good luck, EB
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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.
