Outbreaks only on stomach?

[GF07]

Hi, I have been with my boyfriend for two years. He says he has genital herpes but has had it for 15 plus years and his outbreaks are very minor-- I think 3 since we met. He says they consist of one small painful bump on his stomach region. He also says he does not remember ever having any blisters in his genital area. His ex wife had it as well, but in her genital area. We have avoided sexual contact before and during outbreaks because he says he can tell when one is coming. However, we do not use condoms anymore.

I love this man and plan to spend the rest of my life with him. I do not currently have herpes. However, we had vaginal intercourse yesterday and today he said he found a "bump" in a different area on his stomach. At no time did this "bump" come in contact with my genital area.

Here are my questions:
1) condoms obviously are no help if the blister area is on the stomach. What is the risk of transmission from just skin to skin if there are no cuts on our stomachs?
2) Does the shedding only occur from the blister area?
3) is it normal to only have blisters on non-genital areas?
Thank you for your response.

[gracefromHHP]

If he has genital herpes then his entire anogenital area is also shedding when he has lesions - even if the lesions aren't on his actual genital area.  He should be avoiding sex whenever he notices lesions.  

Have you had a herpes blood test to know what your own status is?  If not now would be the time to get a baseline test.

Have you two talked about his going on daily suppressive therapy to reduce your risk of contracting hsv2 from him?  

I encourage you to read the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com. It will help you better understand about herpes and what precautions can help to greatly reduce your risk of contracting it from him.  

grace