"Safest Sex" vs. "Latex Fetish"

[JohnB5000]

In the context of HSV2+ male trying to reduce risk of transmission to HSV2- female, the standard options look like this:
1. No contact with any type of ob
2. Meds
3. Condoms

But there is more that can be done (at least if people are into it, personal choice I guess) . . . a few places sell "Latex shorts with sheath", which appears to be a common(?) product available for people who really like to dress up in latex . . . it is basically a pair of shorts (like spandex bike shorts, but latex) that has a molded front piece that accommodates each part of the male anatomy. . . . obviously the latex is thicker than a condom and more durable, so I think actual sex wearing a full pair of these things might be more of a fetish thing and quite different from normal experience . . but it is also possible to remove the part of the shorts where a condom would normally go, and just wear a condom with them so no skin is exposed (except above the waist and below the knee) . . . and shedding/transmission risk would be reduced.

Has anyone ever done anything like this to protect against transmission? My assumption is that the risk under this arrangement would be near zero (just the risk of condom breakage, and then only standard risk if that actually happens).

In terms of peace of mind I like it, but I'm not sure how women might feel - less intimate no doubt, but maybe there are some women out there that really like the feel of latex?

I don't know anyone with a latex fetish, but maybe it can be learned - clearly there is an audience for these things for some reason.

Is it going too far? Thoughts?

[Snowflake9000]

I Love the idea.  I have HSV2 and constant ob's.  I thought of making some latex shorts myself that go all of the way down to the knee and I'm so ecstatic to find People are selling them.  I also have a latex fetish, so rock and roll with that.  Latex rocks.  Can't figure out why anybody would have anything against it, other than the obvious point that it dulls the nerve input in comparison to skin to skin contact.
   I would think that these super latex shorts that go down to the knee would have an insanely low risk of transmission.  This sort of thing will probably catch on some day, particularly after excellent results from studies that logical thinking People would expect- and People will wonder wtf They were ever thinking using condoms that covered such a small area.  Also, People will have mattress parties all over the place and a new sexual revolution will ensue- just My thoughts.

[JohnB5000]

It is harder than I thought to accurately estimate the risk of transmission under "ideal" conditions - 100% compliance with meds and always using condoms (latex or other safe material) . . . . I would like to get the risk lower than the most basic 10% risk avoiding contact if any ob's, 5% with meds, 2.5% with condoms . . . . the studies suggest it could be lower with good compliance, but it is hard to estimate without better data . . . I am also not sure of the best source to cite for the 10% risk number (and if that number assumes a monogamous relationship with known status of both parties, or if it references infections older/younger than the first year when would be most contagious, or if HSV1 antibodies are to some degree cross-protective against HSV2, etc.). . . it seems that the above "latex pants" solution should yield a risk level of well under 1%, but it may be undesirable if the risk is already low enough . . . unless a person happens to be into that kind of thing . . .some people seem to be . . .

[catinbarefeet]

Wow - quite a difference from the cerebral/clinical discussion in your other post. I really only have one thing to contribute and that's that many women have latex allergies.