First off, this forum is an excellent resource! So glad to have found it.
Here is my current concern... I have been dating a man who disclosed to me he is positive for HSV2. He contracted it many years ago and currently has 1-3 outbreaks per year. He takes suppressive medication off and on (currently on).
I have been tested for HSV2 (IGG) and am negative. (Although as an aside, I do suspect I have HSV1 as I remember having a cold sore once on my mouth as a young person.)
Currently, due to concerns about transmission of HSV2, we are not having intercourse at all. We kiss, etc, but our genitals never touch without underwear on. I do stimulate his penis manually and orally while he is wearing a condom.
We are now thinking about having vaginal sex, with a condom of course. However, I don't feel I fully understand the risks of doing this.
Questions:
- I've seen stats that say the risk of male to female transmission of HSV2 during a year of unprotected sex is 10%. But by adding condoms and suppressive therapy, this risk is reduced (by half?) True?
- Currently, I stimulate his penis manually and orally while he is wearing a condom (but never during an OB). However, during manual stimulation, my hands do touch skin in his genital area that is not covered (eg: scrotum). I wash my hands immediately after stimulation. Are there any risks to me here?
- If we decide to proceed with protected vaginal intercourse, I know that condoms only cover the penile shaft, so I'm concerned about transmission from the other parts of his (uncovered) genitals that would be touching my uncovered genitals. We would never have sex during an OB, but I am worried about prodromal periods and asymptomatic shedding. This is probably what frightens me the most. Thoughts?
- If I *did* somehow contract HSV2, how would I know? I am concerned about the possibility of passing it on to others.
Thank you in advance.