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So confused

Posted , 3 users are following.

keraemd
keraemd

I was diagoned years ago with type 2 but have only ever had outbreaks on my left hip/buttock area. Does that mean I can still pass the virus through vaginal secretions? Also if I am on anti viral medication am I still contagious?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus keraemd

    Posted

    Yes. When having an outbreak, regardless of where it visibly pops up, you are shedding from anywhere (and potentially everywhere) within the anogenital tract (no need for visible lesions), as well as from the outbreak lesions.

    If you are on daily suppressive meds at the correct dosage, then shedding (and thus infectiousness) is greatly reduced (by around 70%, if I remember correctly), though not entirely eliminated. Breakthrough asymptomatic shedding and actual recurrences (to a lesser extent) are possible. Daily suppressive meds are nevertheless the best treatment available in this regard.

  • patty10286
    patty10286 keraemd

    Posted

    Herpes is not spread by vaginal or bodily fluids.  It is skin on skin contact.  the outbreaks on your buttock area can transmit the disease to a partner whose skin is making contact - specifically rubbing - in the area of your sores.  My understanding is that as long as you have an active outbreak, regardless of the meds, the disease can be communicated.  As a long time senior citizen sufferer of this disease, know that my heart goes out to you.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus patty10286

      Posted

      That is not entirely correct. Bodily fluids passing over internal lesions (e.g., urethra, vagina) can absolutely carry and transmit herpes, and shedding is throughout the any part or all of the anogenital tract during episodes, as well as from any lesions regardless of location. It is called a skin condition, but that is not only the case and is misleading. Yes, usually rubbing, like through sex, is required to introduce the virus.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus keraemd

      Posted

      Here is corroborating info from the American Sexual Health Association's website that exactly describes your situation. As you can see from the answer, you are not just infectious via your buttock/hip lesions, but also via the anogenital tract:

      Q. I was diagnosed with “genital” herpes a little over a year ago. I say “genital” because I have yet to have an outbreak on my genitals, only on my rear end. I guess this makes me an unusual case, and I want to know how this might affect me giving it to someone else. Can I still give this to someone just by having vaginal sex, even though I’ve never had an outbreak anywhere near there?

      A. In a word, yes. Even though you may never have had any noticeable symptoms in your genital area, you probably shed virus in that area. As you suggest, perhaps the term “genital herpes” is a bit confusing, leading you to believe that you would experience an outbreak only on the genitals. In fact, someone with “genital” herpes may have an outbreak anywhere in the area covered by a pair of boxer shorts.

      An outbreak on the buttocks is not uncommon. We hear from many people who only experience symptoms in areas such as the anus, buttocks and upper thigh. No matter where your outbreaks occur, however, you run the risk of transmitting the virus through sexual contact.

      Even if you keep your outbreaks covered, this will not guarantee that you won’t transmit herpes to a partner. In one study of individuals with recurrent herpes lesions on the buttocks, viral shedding in the genital area (including vulvar and cervical areas for women) was shown to be relatively common occurrence during a buttocks outbreak, even when no genital lesions were present.

      As with genital outbreaks, sexual contact during outbreaks with uninfected partners should be avoided and both parties should be aware of the possibility for viral shedding at other times.

    • keraemd
      keraemd FelizCastus

      Posted

      Thanks so much. I am always very safe. My partner is aware and I take anti virals.
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