Aa
diagnosis
I just began a new relationship and my partner and I agreed to get tested for STDs, but we had sex several times before we got the results. My results were negative, but his doctor told him that he had exposure to HSV-2 and that he has to have additional tests. We probably have had sex 10-20 times (including oral sex) with and without a condom before we received this news. This is my first time being sexually active in a long time. I do have some vaginal dryness and some mild irritation, but I don't know if this is from being sexually active or whether I have the HSV-2 virus also. Please provide any guidance that you can. thanks.
In addition, how long after exposure does it usually take to catch the virus?
I am starting to grow a bit more concerned about whether I have HSV2 and whether I am going to get it. We've decided not to take the suppressive daily therapy. His doctor told him that his test figures do not warrant him having to take the therapy. We use condoms, but we tend to put it on soon before he is ready to ejaculate so the condom is not always on during intercourse. In addition, we have oral sex regularly. Sometimes I have swallowed his semen, but I'm not sure if this is a risk. I have not had any outbreaks and neither has he. I've felt itchy recently, but it is very mild and I'm not sure if that matters. I'd like to know whether I have HSV2, what are my chances of getting it under these circumstances (particularly from oral sex) and whether his test figures being low or high matters at all. We haven't been having sex that long (since March) but I'm starting to grow concerned about my risk of getting HSV2. Thanks.
Oops...just saw the test results. The comments above still stand. He needs to be vigilant for symptoms. Many people that are educated about HSV2 recall symptoms after they were educated. If he does not have symptoms, #2 and #3 still apply.
Why dont you do what AJ suggested and get the explicit test name and test results for your significant other. There really is nothing that can be done until you clearly understand those results.
If he has HSV2 and you do not want to get it then the options are:
1. No sex during or after outbreaks (if they occur)...if you do this the risk is 8-10% chance per year that you will catch it.
2. He takes suppressive therapy daily, i.e. Valtrex or Acyclovir...if you do this the risk is cut in half to 4-5%
3. He uses condoms...if you additional do this the risk is cut in half again, i.e. 2% per year. However some believe that the risk is even lower.
Also, if you ever get a cold sore in your mouth, you should avoid giving him oral sex. Until you get his results the above is all that can be discussed.
If he has HSV2 and you do not want to get it then the options are:
1. No sex during or after outbreaks (if they occur)...if you do this the risk is 8-10% chance per year that you will catch it.
2. He takes suppressive therapy daily, i.e. Valtrex or Acyclovir...if you do this the risk is cut in half to 4-5%
3. He uses condoms...if you additional do this the risk is cut in half again, i.e. 2% per year. However some believe that the risk is even lower.
Also, if you ever get a cold sore in your mouth, you should avoid giving him oral sex. Until you get his results the above is all that can be discussed.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Oh sorry - that's without condoms. Condoms reduce the risk by about 50% or so.
Aj
Aj
is that 8-10 percent chance with or without condoms? we are trying to figure out whether condoms are necessary for the rest of our lives. thanks again.
You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs 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.
