herpes

[skicolorado]

Dear Doctor:

I have a question about genital herpes.  Recently, about two months ago, I was engaged in some sexual activity.  Although I, as well as my partner, were close to being naked, we were not.  We both had our underwear on.  Some grinding took place.  I am wondering if it is possible to catch herpes through two pairs of underwear as a result of grinding?  Could in other words, the virus be caught if it passed through the underwear?  Is this even possible?  Do I need to get tested?

Thanks

[skicolorado]

One last question.  At the end of August I had my annual check up with my gynecologist.  Had full std screening and pap.  At the time of my appointment I had what I thought was a yeast infection.  Never having had a yeast infection, however, I was unsure.  The doctor commented that it looked like I might have a yeast infection, adding that the results of my pap may be inclucisive if I in fact had a yeast infection.  In any event, all my std tests came back negative.  My pap came back clear as well.  She also said that there was no positive sign of infection, bv, yeast, etc.  My symptoms, however,tend to make me feel that i have a yeast infection:  Curdlike discharge, which is clear or cloudy, with no scent, and itching.  I went back to the gynocologist two additional times because of the itching and both times test came back negative.  I have changed my laundry detergent, toliet paper, and soap.  Symptoms have improved but not fully gone away.  In my clear/white discharge, I am noticing VERY TINY white flakes (again, no oder/scent; no green or brown discharge).  Any idea as to what this may be?  It's not typical/usual for me.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Hand-genital contact is not known to transmit herpes or other STDs.  Theoretically it might be possible, but I have never seen a case.  As I said above, an apparent exception probably is transmission of BV between female partners.

[skicolorado]

can you tell me what the std risk is from hand(s) to genital (fingering).  Is this relatively safe?

[skicolorado]

Enough said.  

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to quality health care, doctor.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I can't say it's impossible, but no STD expert has ever reported seeing such a case and in 30+ years in a busy STD clinic I have not seen a case of STD that the infected person thought was acquired through clothing.  As to the reasons, there are no data, only logic.  It takes a substantial exposure to HSV (and other STDs) for infection to take hold; "just one virus" never is enough, and the amount of virus that could make it through secretions seeping through clothing has to be miniscule.  

[skicolorado]

I have never shared sex toys.  My original question about herpes passing through underwear seemed like reasonable because of the "wetness" that can take place/be present.  Can you explain why/how it's not possible for herpes to be caught through underwear.  Part of me fully sees the rationale behind your answer (I'm in academia too); however, I need more explanation.  It seems reasonable, perhaps possible is the better word, that this could happen?

thanks, doctor.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Indeed you can find just about anything, with variable reliability, on the internet.  Try to limit your searches to those run by professional agencies anddd/or those that are monitored by genuine experts, as for the MedHelp forums.

The basic facts about STD in lesbians:  Some STDs are less efficiently transmitted between women, because of differences in the mechanics of sex compared to straight couples and gay men.  The rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis are definitely far lower in lesbians than in straight men and women or gay men.

Genital herpes probably is somewhat less frequent, although this hasn't been well studied and certainly some HSV trasnsmission occurs (but still not through clothing).  

Genital HPV is just as common in women who have sex with women as in other groups; regular pap testing and immunization against HPV are just as important in lesbians as in other women.

Bacterial vaginosis, whose sexual transmission is uncertain in heterosexual women, is clearly sexually exchanged among women.  Research shows that if a lesbian woman has BV, almost invariably her partner also has it, apparently transmitted by exchcange of vaginal secretions, either directly or by hands and sex toys.

[skicolorado]

thank you for the very quick response.  i am a lesbian woman.  very conservative and cautious.  i have read (on the intranet) some very conflicting statements about how genital herpes can and/or does spread.  i figured i was engaging in risk free behavior, but have found myself obsessing about it as of late.  It was reassuring to get your e-mail so quickly.

Cheers

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No worries.  No STD, including herpes, can be transmitted through clothing.  You don't need testing.

Regards--  HHH, MD