How to Prevent Herpes Transmission

Genital herpes can be quite contagious and is spread by skin-to-skin contact or having sex of any type. The only proven way to prevent genital herpes from being transmitted is to abstain from sexual contact completely. It can also be prevented if you are in a long-term relationship with a partner who has been tested and who is known to be uninfected.  Of course this relationship must be mutually monogamous.

It’s important to always remember to protect yourself, because no one else will!

The herpes virus is most often shed from the visible sores, blisters or a rash during herpes outbreaks. However, it can also be shed from the affected area even between outbreaks of symptoms.  HSV is transmitted to the area of skin with which it comes into contact.

Genital Herpes Transmission

Unfortunately, genital herpes has become a very common sexually transmitted disease in both the US and worldwide.  Between the late 1970s and the early 1990s, the number of Americans with a genital herpes infection increased by some thirty per cent. The largest increase has been among teens and young adults. The latest studies show that at least 45 million people aged 12 and older have this infection – that is an astounding ONE in FIVE adolescents and adults.

This infection is caused by both the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) although type 2 is more frequently the cause of genital herpes (some 90 to 95%). The big problem with this sexually transmitted disease is that most people infected are not aware of their infection and of course when they are unaware of their status, the disease can be constantly spread to other sexual partners.  Many who have herpes may only become aware of their infection if they experience an outbreak of small and sometimes painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas. Many times, these blisters can occur

Genital herpes is contagious and it is spread by having sexual intercourse or any form of sex. For example if you have oral sex with a person who has oral herpes (commonly known as cold sores) then you are at risk of catching genital herpes.  By the same token touching, sexual intimacy and kissing are all activities which can spread the virus.

It’s strongly advised you take proper precautions when engaging in sexual or skin-to-skin contact with someone who has herpes.

It should also be noted, that those living with herpes are NOT contagious all the time. There are actually a few times a year they are – however, those times aren’t exactly known. Suppressive therapy treatment can reduce the shedding process and risk of transmission by a great deal. So that’s something that should be considered when getting involved with someone with herpes.

Male to Female Risk of Transmission

Question:

What are the transmission rates of catching HSV2 from Male to Female when you are not experiencing symptoms. I have had herpes for about five years and I have met someone that I am going to have to tell. I am frightened because I don’t know what the reaction is going to be and I really like this girl a lot. I did some research and a few polls taken indicated that people without this condition would most likely not get involved with people that have HSV2. She has already told me that she is very sexual so I don’t know what is going to happen. I constantly hear negative talk about herpes on the radio and in general conversation with my friends. Although, you would be amazed of how many people that I have seen at my job with cold sores. I am wondering if I should just stick with the dating websites for people with herpes or should I take my chances with possibility and embarrassment?

Answer:

According to studies, over the course of one year, from a male with HSV2 to a negative female, if all you do is avoid sex during symptoms, the risk is 8-10%.

The risk further decreases if you also use condoms OR if you are taking antivirals daily therapy. These actions decrease the risk to 4-5%

If you use condoms AND take suppressive therapy, the risk lowers to under 2%.

When you talk to friend, be sure to explain that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men have HSV2 and about 90% of them don’t even realize it. If your friend has not had a type-specific IgG blood test, she should get tested to see if she might be positive without realizing it.

It’s entirely possible that she will not want to take the risk, but the chances are also good that she will be fine with it. I’ve seen lots of people have good results with negative partners. It helps to think positive (not presuming she’ll drop you like a hot potato!) and have the discussion calmly and matter-of-factly. Letting her sense you are secure and informed will invite secure and informed response. Discussing your sexual histories and suggesting you both get STD testing done and then share the results is never a bad idea. Don’t forget it isn’t all about your Herpes. If you don’t have a conversation and hopefully see her test results, you don’t know if she has an STD you’d like to know about too.

No one can promise that the talk can go perfectly, but you’ll never know until you have the conversation.

It could end up being embarrassing, but it could also end up being very rewarding too!