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I Had A Couple Questions About My Condition. I Got
Question: I had a couple questions about my condition. I got diagnosed with hsv-2. I have a partner that knows about my condition. There was a couple times when we did not use protection (I wasn’t having an outbreak at this time). I was wondering what are the chances of me transmitting the herpes to my partner? I have started using Valacyclavir daily. I was not on this medication when we had unprotected intercourse. He started to get one single red bump on the shaft of his penis. The only symptom he has had is some tingling sensation sometimes. But other than that, no symptoms.
Brief Answer:
Transmission of HSV is more during and around the episodes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to ASK A DOCTOR through HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all HSV is not a life threatening disease. There are no exact prediction of chances of getting infection through two spells of unprotected exposures. HSV is said to be more infectious during the presence of lesions. Of course there will be viral shedding around (before and after) an episode. Not round the year. Wearing condom and taking suppressive drugs can prevent the transmission during the asymtomatic period. Women to men transmission is little lesser that that of men to women transmission.
We are seeing thousands of couples are living with HSV without any problem for their normal day today life for years.
One study examined rates of genital herpes transmission in heterosexual couples when only one partner was initially infected [1]. Over one year, the virus was transmitted to the other partner in 10 percent of couples. In 70 percent of cases, infection occurred at a time when there were no symptoms. (https://www.uptodate.com/contents/genital-herpes-beyond-the-basics#:~:text=Transmission%20between%20sexual%20partners%20%E2%80%94%20The,%2C%20anal%2C%20or%20vaginal%20sex.&text=There%20is%20no%20risk%20of,toilet%20seats%2C%20bed%20sheets).
So not to worry. Relax. As far as possible have a protected exposure. Nothing will happen.
Dr S.Murugan
Transmission of HSV is more during and around the episodes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to ASK A DOCTOR through HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all HSV is not a life threatening disease. There are no exact prediction of chances of getting infection through two spells of unprotected exposures. HSV is said to be more infectious during the presence of lesions. Of course there will be viral shedding around (before and after) an episode. Not round the year. Wearing condom and taking suppressive drugs can prevent the transmission during the asymtomatic period. Women to men transmission is little lesser that that of men to women transmission.
We are seeing thousands of couples are living with HSV without any problem for their normal day today life for years.
One study examined rates of genital herpes transmission in heterosexual couples when only one partner was initially infected [1]. Over one year, the virus was transmitted to the other partner in 10 percent of couples. In 70 percent of cases, infection occurred at a time when there were no symptoms. (https://www.uptodate.com/contents/genital-herpes-beyond-the-basics#:~:text=Transmission%20between%20sexual%20partners%20%E2%80%94%20The,%2C%20anal%2C%20or%20vaginal%20sex.&text=There%20is%20no%20risk%20of,toilet%20seats%2C%20bed%20sheets).
So not to worry. Relax. As far as possible have a protected exposure. Nothing will happen.
Dr S.Murugan
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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