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Risk evaluation
I had protected anal sex. My concern is how I used the condom. If it broKe, would I have felt it or would it have been visible? What does it mean if a condom slipped? Is there an improper way of removing a condom that would put me @ risk? Considering I had what seems like protected sex, should that warrant a test or concern?
unfortunately nothing is going to get you accurate results sooner than 3 months post encounter.
your encounters are still low risk for herpes. just test at some point to know your status for the future and to err on the side of caution that's all.
your encounters are still low risk for herpes. just test at some point to know your status for the future and to err on the side of caution that's all.
Thank you for your knowledge and advice. Are there any rapid testing procedures you can recommend? I'm sure the test is expensive, and I'm very broke now. Again, I will get tested. I just won't have money in the next couple of weeks and I want to be assured after 20 days of hopefully no symptoms, the chances of having herpes will be lower? I'm sorry to repeat this question, but I really need it answered; Given that my skin looks a little red/irritated from trimming and very mildly shaving my pubic hair a week prior, does the herpes virus have enough strength to break through the skin? Especially since I didn't see any cold sores/symptoms on the guy. Can the virus find its way through the smallest pore? My skin looks healed, just red. And he was questioning if I had herpes. Do most people get herpes with a condom? I do not have frequent random partners. That's why I'm freaking out because I don't have one night stands, and I'm stupid for swearing I thought I was being completely extra safe by receiving protected oral sex and giving protected anal penetration. We even used one condom for each act. I would never think that the rest of the exposed skin would be a factor. All I'm concerned about is the virus' ability, or lack thereof, to penetrate through irritated, not broken skin due to trimming and a razor being used on a spot that was 1CM wide a week prior even though he had no symptoms/signs. Again, I don't see any broken skin on me. This would be the only potential risk of mine. Thank you Grace! I'm so sorry for this long post.
the rates of herpes infection in general in gay males are rather high - as high as 60% for hsv2 even. periodic testing for herpes to keep an eye on your status is worthwhile since having hsv2 increases your risk for hiv.
so how do you have safer sex ? well certainly condoms help even though they aren't 100%. also talk with your potential partners about what testing they've had too. typically herpes isn't a part of routine std testing and you have to ask for it specifically. If you prefer random encounters, you just have to accept the risk that is there and do what you can to protect yourself from it.
so how do you have safer sex ? well certainly condoms help even though they aren't 100%. also talk with your potential partners about what testing they've had too. typically herpes isn't a part of routine std testing and you have to ask for it specifically. If you prefer random encounters, you just have to accept the risk that is there and do what you can to protect yourself from it.
Ok now I'm very concerned because I just remembered that precisely a week before the encounter, I trimmed my pubic hair and shaved a small spot at the base of my penis. I don't see any broken skin but there is some red irritation. So, since condoms are only 30% effective, and I may have pores in groin area, my risk is quite significant, right? The other guy did inspect my penis to see if I had herpes. And he would only perform protected oral sex. So, is it safe to assume he doesn't have herpes?
Ok, this is vital information. What constitutes vulnerable skin? The scrotum? My pubic hair/groin area? If the skin is intact, is there still a risk? Wow, I'm really surprised to hear that condoms aren't safe enough for herpes. I will definitely get tested to be sure. Is there any way to have 100% safe sex from herpes?
A condom only covers the penis and leaves a lot of vulnerable of skin exposed to get infected which is why it is so low of protection.
if you've never been tested for herpes before, why not get a test to see what your status is at some point to cover all your bases?
if you've never been tested for herpes before, why not get a test to see what your status is at some point to cover all your bases?
Thanks Grace.
I'm surprised that wearing a condom is only 30% effective when it comes to protection against herpes. How would the herpes virus enter the condom? Is it only 30% effective because the shaft may be exposed? So, if I don't see any symptoms within 2-20 days, I shouldn't worry?
I'm surprised that wearing a condom is only 30% effective when it comes to protection against herpes. How would the herpes virus enter the condom? Is it only 30% effective because the shaft may be exposed? So, if I don't see any symptoms within 2-20 days, I shouldn't worry?
I removed your other post. our policy is to just keep bumping posts up, not make new ones. this is asked in the read before posting post on this forum.
condoms reduce transmission of herpes by 30% on average. your risk isn't increased because you touched the condom with your hand or anything like that. typically when a condom breaks, it's very obvious.
grace
condoms reduce transmission of herpes by 30% on average. your risk isn't increased because you touched the condom with your hand or anything like that. typically when a condom breaks, it's very obvious.
grace
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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.
