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Can Genital Herpes Or HSV-2 Be Contracted Through Protected Sexual Intercourse?

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

Question: Hi Doctor, what are the chances of getting genital herpes HSV 2 on pubic area if I used a condom for protected sex? Pubic area and around penis started to itch 2 - 3 days after exposure. It has been one week but no rashes or blisters seen around the area of itch. Went to Local Gp clinic to let the doctor examined, prescribed me with UNIFLEX cream as known as steroid cream, after applying itchiness died off a little but still comes and goes from time to time.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely fungal infection. Not herpes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Welcome to health care magic.
I have gone through the details.
Herpes simplex virus 1 or 2 can be transmitted by sexual route or by kiss or by skin to skin contact.
There are chances of transmission of HSV even if condom is used, as there will be uncovered areas of contact.It is possible if there are active lesions in the partner in the areas of contact.Otherwise the chances is nil.

The symptoms appears to be due to fungal infection, as seen in the photos uploaded in your previous query.
Clean area with warm water twice daily.
I would have advised topical antifungal clotrimazole cream like candid cream.Uniflex can be tapered off gradually.
Wear loose cotton inner wears.

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venerologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (7 hours later)

Thank you doctor. Even though with condom, i will stand a chance to contract herpes but for my case the chances is less right doctor?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Least possibility of transmission.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.

Yes .It is true. As the person did not have any active lesions in the area of contact, the chances of transmission is almost nil.

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (25 minutes later)

Noted, doctor. It is my first time feeling this itch, did not have it during my past years but seems strange that it only starts to itch at the pubic area and penis after intercourse so im afraid of it being hsv 2 herpes.What do you think that it might be the main issue behind this Doctor? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.

I feel it is likely due to fungal infection.Not herpes.
Please keep the area dry and free of sweat and moisture.
Fungal infection is known for recurrence.
You can use antifungal dusting powder like candid.
Wear loose cotton inner wears.

You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj