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HSV2 & Condoms
How effective are condoms in preventing HSV2 infection?
Her sores on her lips and in her mouth - might not even be herpes. I suggest you both get a type specific herpes igg blood test to see what your full hsv1 and hsv2 status ( unless she's already had one and knows her full hsv1, hsv2 status ). Canker sores are not herpes if that's what she's getting.
Once you know who has what you both can better make decisions as to what precautions to take for all sex acts. The herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is a terrific resource for both of you to learn more about how to decrease your risk of acquiring hsv2 from her so that you can decide together which precautions you are interested in taking. You don't have to do anything other than avoid sex during obvious lesions if you that's all you are interested in. Anything over and above that just continues to decrease your risk even more.
And I 2nd everything that jess and waring said already too :)
grace
Once you know who has what you both can better make decisions as to what precautions to take for all sex acts. The herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is a terrific resource for both of you to learn more about how to decrease your risk of acquiring hsv2 from her so that you can decide together which precautions you are interested in taking. You don't have to do anything other than avoid sex during obvious lesions if you that's all you are interested in. Anything over and above that just continues to decrease your risk even more.
And I 2nd everything that jess and waring said already too :)
grace
There's nothing OTC (except condoms) to help prevent transmission. If she is HSV2+ and you are HSV2-, then she might want to consider taking daily suppressive therapy. It's not OTC but somebody can prescribe it for her. These two things together, condoms and medication, are the best bang for your buck to prevent transmission.
If you turn out to have HSV2 already, you guys don't need to do anything since you can't pass it back and forth. I would recommend testing for all STDs for both of you before proceeding to a sexual relationship. That's what I do, anyway. There's other stuff out there you can get that is worse than herpes.
If you turn out to have HSV2 already, you guys don't need to do anything since you can't pass it back and forth. I would recommend testing for all STDs for both of you before proceeding to a sexual relationship. That's what I do, anyway. There's other stuff out there you can get that is worse than herpes.
You need to be tested for both types, as a baseline, to see where you are at with this. She knows she has HSV2 so if you don't have it, you can use precautions and stay very safe from contracting it.
You are at risk for genital HSV1 only if she is positive for HSV1 and gets oral cold sores. But that is only if you already test negative for oral HSV1.
Are you getting here why testing is important? Doesn't matter if you've "never had a sore of any kind anywhere." The majority of people with herpes are in the same situation as you - rarely having symptoms.
You can't make any educated decisions about what to do until you get tested.
You are at risk for genital HSV1 only if she is positive for HSV1 and gets oral cold sores. But that is only if you already test negative for oral HSV1.
Are you getting here why testing is important? Doesn't matter if you've "never had a sore of any kind anywhere." The majority of people with herpes are in the same situation as you - rarely having symptoms.
You can't make any educated decisions about what to do until you get tested.
Thanks for the quick response.
To follow up with my first question, in addition to condoms, are there additional OTC products (an antiviral ointment or something) to reduce the risk more?
I've met a great lady and she has genital herpes. I really like to kiss her (too much info, but...) and want a relationship with her. She has engaged in oral sex with the person who infected her. She says that she gets sores on her lips and in her mouth from time to time. Now, I've read many, many, many...MANY posts here and not really sure if I found an answer to this question: What am I at risk of, HSV1 in my mouth or is it HSV2? If she performs oral sex on me, is that HSV2? If it matters, I have had chicken pox, however, I have never had a sore of any kind anywhere.
To follow up with my first question, in addition to condoms, are there additional OTC products (an antiviral ointment or something) to reduce the risk more?
I've met a great lady and she has genital herpes. I really like to kiss her (too much info, but...) and want a relationship with her. She has engaged in oral sex with the person who infected her. She says that she gets sores on her lips and in her mouth from time to time. Now, I've read many, many, many...MANY posts here and not really sure if I found an answer to this question: What am I at risk of, HSV1 in my mouth or is it HSV2? If she performs oral sex on me, is that HSV2? If it matters, I have had chicken pox, however, I have never had a sore of any kind anywhere.
COMMUNITY LEADER
If a person is not having an outbreak, it reduces the risk by about 50%. There have been no studies done when someone is having an outbreak.
AJ
AJ
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes 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.
