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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Herpes?

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Posted on Fri, 27 Jan 2017
Question: IF YOU HAVE HERPES AND HAVE NOT HAD A OUTBREAK FOR YEARS CAN YOU HAVE SEX WITHOUT PROTECTION ORAL OR VAGINAL?
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Answered by Dr. Saul Weinreb (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
the risk of herpes transmission still exists, though it is very small

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you so much for your question. I will do my best to help you with your concerns. unfortunately, the HSV virus which causes herpes never will be completely eradicated once a person is infected. this means that the risk of transmission will never be completely eliminated.

However, a healthy immune system will usually keep it suppressed and make it less likely to transmit. The fact that someone hasn't had an outbreak in a very long time, and has no outbreak at the time of exposure, means that the risk is very low. If you take anti viral medications such as Valtrex, the likelihood of transmission is even less. however, in order to be as safe as possible, condom use is still recommended. In the event that you are with a partner for a long time, it is worthwhile for your partner to be tested, as it it could be that he or she already has been exposed, in which case there is not much of a concern of transmission anymore.

I hope this answers your question, please let me know if I can be of any further help.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Saul Weinreb

OBGYN

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 562 Questions

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Herpes?

Brief Answer: the risk of herpes transmission still exists, though it is very small Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you so much for your question. I will do my best to help you with your concerns. unfortunately, the HSV virus which causes herpes never will be completely eradicated once a person is infected. this means that the risk of transmission will never be completely eliminated. However, a healthy immune system will usually keep it suppressed and make it less likely to transmit. The fact that someone hasn't had an outbreak in a very long time, and has no outbreak at the time of exposure, means that the risk is very low. If you take anti viral medications such as Valtrex, the likelihood of transmission is even less. however, in order to be as safe as possible, condom use is still recommended. In the event that you are with a partner for a long time, it is worthwhile for your partner to be tested, as it it could be that he or she already has been exposed, in which case there is not much of a concern of transmission anymore. I hope this answers your question, please let me know if I can be of any further help.