1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

Anybody not give it to their partner?

Posted , 11 users are following.

linzie418
linzie418

So I've been "with" someone since August and I've only ever had one outbreak last October. I take the medication somewhat sporadically but more often if I know we are going to mess around. I was wondering if anybody with genital herpes has NOT given it to their partner when or if they have unprotected sex? It's possible right? I mean for your partner to not catch it? The doctor told me the meds would help reduce outbreaks and the chance of me giving it someone. Is this true? Has anybody had unprotected sex with someone and they didn't catch it?

Thanks

2 likes, 37 replies

37 Replies

Next
  • linzie418
    linzie418

    Posted

    And do you get sick when an outbreak is about to happen ? I've been getting sick like crazy. Stuffy noses, cough and one after the other. It's driving me nuts!
    • Monie
      Monie linzie418

      Posted

      Ive been feeling like that too Lizzy. As if my body is in limbo trying to catch a cold but doesn't happen. However i haven't had any OB. I have HSV2.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus linzie418

      Posted

      Recurrences don't trigger illness, but an illness may trigger a recurrence or asymptomatic shedding.
    • linzie418
      linzie418 Monie

      Posted

      What's the difference between hsv 1 and hsv 2 ?
  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus linzie418

    Posted

    Genital herpes does not pass with every act of sexual intercourse, so of course it's possible to have sex (even unprotected) and to not pass it on. When HSV is infectious is during shedding. Viral shedding can be symptomatic (outbreaks) or asymptomatic.

    The problem lies with asymptomatic shedding, since this happens without (recognised) symptoms and at random. Asymptomatic shedding is responsible for up to 70% of new infections (mostly Type 2). The type of HSV you have makes a big difference. Type 2 outbreaks and sheds far more frequently than Type 1.

    • linzie418
      linzie418 FelizCastus

      Posted

      I have hsv 1. So does that mean it's less likely for him to get it ? I've only ever gotten one outbreak but I get bv a lot. I was put on antibiotics for it. It feels like I have the slightest little start of an ob but it goes away. Maybe it's from the bv ? Thank you. How often does the shedding in type one occur ?
    • linzie418
      linzie418

      Posted

      So it is possible that he won't get it ?
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus linzie418

      Posted

      Type 1 is better and less infectious, but I'd still be careful after a new infection, and if you're getting BV lots, another good reason to wear a condom anyway. How do you know you have Type 1, btw? Was it confirmed by a test?
    • Monie
      Monie FelizCastus

      Posted

      What is BV? I saw that on my test results as detected.
    • linzie418
      linzie418 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Yes it was confirmed by a test. I found out last October. How do you know when the shedding is going on?
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus linzie418

      Posted

      That's the problem. When shedding is asymptomatic, you don't. But genital Type 1 sheds only 5% of days, although this would be higher for new infections.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus linzie418

      Posted

      If he doesn't have it, then you won't get it orally. If he has it genitally, then you can still get it orally until you have produced sufficient antibodies, so 4-6 months from infection, but contact with lesions is still ill advised.
    • linzie418
      linzie418 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Would he have to have some kind of outbreak on his genitals for me to end up getting it on my mouth, or it doesn't matter? When you says 5% of days, what exactly does that mean? I know I'm asking alot of questions but I finally have the courage too.
    • louise123456
      louise123456 FelizCastus

      Posted

      FelisCatus have you any idea of the % of days type 2 sheds? This may sound stupid but shuold we be wearing full length pyjama bottoms and totally covering up from our top of trousers line and washing bed covers way more etc ? I mean, when the virus sheds, does it only have a chance of infecting someone else if it touches their skin immediately? And is it only if their skin it touches is an open wound or genitals or mouth or could say their arm touch the shedding area and they catch it? 
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus louise123456

      Posted

      Genital Type 2 sheds about 25-30% of days on average. No, you don't need to cover up or wash your sheets more than usual. You are right in that it requires skin to skin contact, either broken regular skin or mucosal skin of the non-infected person coming into contact with lesions or mucosal areas/fluids of the infected person. A certain amount of virus is also required to cause infection, so fleeting contact in this manner is unlikely and everyday casual contact is absolutely fine.
    • louise123456
      louise123456 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Thanks you...Wow, 25% of days is a lot.. about 8 days of the month sad Not the best stat to have to throw into conversation with a perspective partner!

      My ex has been to see some specialist who did bloods on him as his sores were almost healed up. Now I'm not sure if it was Igg or Igm and he won't have results till next week but just so I'm clear if / when he lets me know, why is one more reliable than the other?

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus louise123456

      Posted

      The igm test is not type-specific (takes both herpes types into account in the one test) and is not considered reliable overall. Herpes igm antibodies come and go with outbreaks (whether first or recurrent), so are not constant in your blood. Igg antibodies remain for life following infection (just not detectable until 2-3 months), regardless of outbreaks, and the test is type specific and considered reliable for Type 2, in particular.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus louise123456

      Posted

      Just checked. Correction: Genital Type 2 sheds *15*-30% of evaluated days, but the more days tested, the more it can be found, so I'd still stick to the higher end. Remember, too, that it is just an average. Also, new infections shed far more in the first year compared to established infections, but all infections shed, even after many years. Pity herpes can't be suppressed like chicken pox, with only rare instances of shingles if you're unlucky!
    • sara39219
      sara39219 louise123456

      Posted

      transmission rates are 4% per year if you avoid sex during outbreaks. If you use condoms and take valtrex daily transmissionrate i 1% a year. I comparision, it's a 1,8% risk of dying in a car crash. The likelihood of infecting ur partner is in other words very low if you take precautions. So relax, enjoy life together and dont worry to much. Yoy cant live life in feat of something thats most likely not going to happen. And if, worst case, he does get it, its a 80% chance he wont notice. Remeber how commen it is.
    • louise123456
      louise123456 sara39219

      Posted

      Thanks Sara, unfortunately he ran for the hills as soon as he passed it to me (must've been the guilt and lies getting to him) so I am more concerned about any perspective new partner.. It's a petrifying thought having to tell a man this to be honest and the part that's affected me most. A long counselling session this evening helped drill into my head that I am more than herpes, but I can't imagine telling someone after a few dates that this is what has to be dealt with - but all in good time I guess, no point in worrying about that yet!
    • Chick100
      Chick100 louise123456

      Posted

      Be selective who or where you get you resources from hsv2 doesn't shed 24-30% and it varies from persons influenced by immune deficiencies it's also not true all the time about stress causing outbreak because I works as engineer and stress daily
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus Chick100

      Posted

      That figure is more or less what the experts say and it's understood to be an *average*. You're right about stress, though. Not a trigger for all, and if it is, it's usually high, prolonged stress, not regular stress.
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.