Questions about herpes

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi,

My partner has told me he has genital herpes. He doesn't know if its 1 or 2. I've read up on it as much as possible but just wanted to clarify something. If i was touching his penis with my hand, as long as i didn't have any cuts or sores on my hand, and as long as he wasn't having an outbreak, is that safe? There's so much info online and not all of it is correct so i figured this is the best place to ask.

Thanks

Ella

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    hands are fine the skin is thick and doesn't transmit easily there. just wash them after because then if you scratch your eyes or touch your vagina after there's a possibility of catching it. but you should be fine. is he on antivirals? that helps reduce transmission greatly and combined with a condom transmission rate would be very very low.

    • Posted

      No he won't take antivirals because he usually only one outbreak a year. What about if his penis touches other bits of me when we're cuddled up in bed? I read that you can get herpes anywhere, especially on the genitals and also the thighs. is that right?

  • Edited

    I have HSV2 myself. It's good that you and your partner are talking openly about this.

    The key thing is "as long as he wasn't having an outbreak".

    During an outbreak Herpes passes on very easily and you should avoid all sexual contact.

    Between outbreaks although its theoretically possible to pass it on, it's pretty rare.

    You both need to get to know what he looks like normally and check before sex, so an outbreak doesn't sneak up on you. Once you are confident about this, go ahead and enjoy yourselves.

    Best of luck to you

    • Posted

      How long after an outbreak is it safe? Do you have to wait until blisters are gone completely?

    • Posted

      her boyfriend is asymptomatic so they will not know when the virus is shedding that's why antivirals should be taken.

    • Edited

      I discussed this with the Doctor at my local sexual health clinic. The earlier parts of the outbreak are most infectious. You will only be contagious for 2-3 days. Once the lesions have all scabbed over you are safe. Having said that I always avoid sex for a full week just to be on the safe side.

  • Edited

    i have herpese since 11 years, and let me tell you, its tried and tested in my case.. No outbreak no transmission... during outbreaks, do not touch with anything to be sure... other wise fingures are pretty tough and dont get herpese, herpese normally is transmitted where there is fluid or very thin skin involved..

    to be safe remain away during outbreak and enjoy when no outbreak..

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