recurring HSV2 bump appeared only hours after having sex

Question

My boyfriend and I had sex about 3 hrs before I started having an HSV2 bump appear on my buttocks. Is he at risk? If he doesn't touch the area on my butt cheeck where I always have the same break out location, is he still at risk?

This discussion is related to HERPES and clothing or other objects.

auntiejessi · Answer

No, you are right.  He could absolutely have it from someone else and not know it - remember that 90% of those who have hsv2 don't know they have it, because they either get really mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

And if you both have it, why would he care where he got it?  You've been together for 4 years and are planning on children-  what would really change for him?

Aj

TesQu · Answer

its hard to tell where one person gets it from if he have multiple partner in his/her lifetime.. as u cant tell when the virus is shedding.. while its also hard to trace back in time to see who give it to u as different ppl hv different time frame of outbreaks after exposure.

auntiejessi might like to correct me if i am wrong / on on more..

lunaglow · Answer

I am really grateful for the information. I have had HSV2 (diagnosed) for nearly 10 years so I know that's what the issue is with the bump on my butt cheeck that turns into blisters. I also had my 7 year old son delivered vaginally and he didn't acquire the virus. So it's important to remember when depressed with a new recurring out break to ruin a weekend that one's looking forward to, that this is all manageable really and not the end of the world.

If my boyfriend of over 4 years and I have been practicing sex by avoiding it during times of out breaks, could he have HSV2 from someone else and never have had an out break? I'm afraid if he was tested and found to be positive, albeit asymptomatic, that he might think it was from me.

auntiejessi · Answer

Yes its fairly common to get outbreaks there.  You can get outbreaks anywhere in the boxer short area, though on the penis or on the vagina are the most likely spots.

But it is a good question - how were you diagnosed?

And anyone with herpes, or questions about herpes, should check out the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com

Aj

auntiejessi · Answer

Yes, he could still be at risk.  Even if you get an outbreak on your butt, you will be shedding the virus genitally.  Studies have shown that you are likely (but not definitely) shedding the virus within the hours, at least, of getting an outbreak, so he could still get it from you.

Since you get outbreaks on your butt, and not your genitals, he might be at slightly lower risk than if you got outbreaks on your vagina, for example.

Overall, if you all only avoid sex during an outbreak, there is a 96% chance that he won't get it from you per year.  If you use suppression, like daily valtrex, acyclovir or famvir, there is a 98% chance that he won't get it from you per year.  

Has he ever been tested?  He might have it and not know it - 90% of those with herpes don't know they have it.  He should ask his doctor for a type specific IgG blood test.

Aj