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What Are The Chances Of Genital Herpes Post Protected Intercourse?
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I was told by a Dr. on here that The chances of infection without an active lesion and just by skin to skin contact is very low. Since you used a protection it was a single time exposure the chances of actually getting an infection are less than 5%.
It is best to wait for 4 weeks and get a blood test done after that to completely rule out the chances of any infection.
But I wonder Would the chances be higher than 5% if the person was in viral shedding without open lesions present? Or would the chances still be low without any cuts on open sores on my body in that area, and no exposure due to protection. I am aware that not every person is aware when they are in shedding period although there are some mild symptoms.
Yes, thank you I was planning on getting the blood test as well. Do you think for both HSV 1 & 2 since the partner had both or just HSV 2?
Thanks,
XXXXXXX
The risk is low but I would suggest sceening for both Hsv types
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have noted down your concern.
Definitely, a condom protected sex is safer as compared to unprotected vaginal sex. Also, absence of clinical lesions confers less chances for transmission through sexual intercourse. However, even a condom protected sex during clinical asymptomatic phases is not 100% safe, as far as transmission of genital herpes is concerned. This is because a condom covers only a portion of shaft of penis and leaves a lot of genital skin exposed for skin-to-skin contact and rubbing/ friction e.g base of shaft of penis and adjacent pubic region. Its not just simple skin to skin contact but rather minute abrasions sustained during the act of sexual intercourse (and resulting epidermal compromise) that favors transmission by allowing the virus to pass through the damaged skin; intact skin is otherwise impermeable to herpes virus.
Viral shedding varies from time to time and it is more around about the time of a clinical episode (both before and after) though it is generally low in the intervening phases between clinical episodes.
I would suggest you to get screened for both Hsv 1 and Hsv 2; though traditionally Hsv type 2 causes genital herpes and Hsv type 1 causes oro-labial herpes but this distinction applied no more in present scenario and both types of Hsv can cause genital as well as oro-labial herpes.
Regards
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How far out should I be tested? 4 weeks? 6? I am an RN but remembering the little things from diseases I never treat being a PICC nurse sort leave you, I was trying to remember back to virology and I remember there had to be portal of entry. torn skin etc. I'm nervous now.
I would recommend serial testing at 6 weeks and then at 12 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Well, without having a look at, its hard to tell exactly whether the perianal rash/ skin condition is due to herpes Or due to an unrelated cause.
Herpes has a characteristic appearance that is easy to diagnose. It would present as multiple, discrete Or confluent, wet or crusted erosions, small in size and well defined. There would be associated symptoms like pain, burning sensation, tingling or itching.
I think you should get tested at 6 weeks, initially and then againt at 12 weeks.
However, I would like to reiterate that given the fact the your sexual partner did'nt had any active sores and also used a protection, it is more likely that you would have been spared from getting infected from Hsv.
Regards
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