Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Likely Am I To Contract Herpes From An Infected Person Through Intercourse?

I just began a relationship with a woman. We have not been intimate. She just told me that she has herpes. I do not know if she is infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2. She told me her X-Husband infected her 10 years ago. She said she tested positive for the anti bodies and has never had an outbreak. Is it likely I ll be infected if we have intercourse? What questions should I ask her about her virus, (HSV-1 / HSV-2). What can I do to protect myself?
Wed, 11 Dec 2013
Report Abuse
HIV AIDS Specialist 's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
HSV-2 is infectious sexually. That too will be transmitted only if there is a viral shedding. Other times it is not infectious. Most often the active lesions of recurrences might not have noticed by the woman when it occurs on her inner genitalia.Viral shedding preceding the infection for few days and persistent after the lesions healed. Sometimes it is possible for her to have no recurrence and the antibodies indicated an old extinct infection.
Wearing condom offers you a high degree of protection.
Dr S.Murugan
I find this answer helpful

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Viral shedding


Loading Online Doctors....
How Likely Am I To Contract Herpes From An Infected Person Through Intercourse?

Hi, Welcome to HCM. HSV-2 is infectious sexually. That too will be transmitted only if there is a viral shedding. Other times it is not infectious. Most often the active lesions of recurrences might not have noticed by the woman when it occurs on her inner genitalia.Viral shedding preceding the infection for few days and persistent after the lesions healed. Sometimes it is possible for her to have no recurrence and the antibodies indicated an old extinct infection. Wearing condom offers you a high degree of protection. Dr S.Murugan