Genital Herpes: Will using Condoms Stop You Passing it on?
No. If you have Genital Herpes,
caused by the virus Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV2),
it is however recommended that you use condoms because
this will reduce the risk of passing the virus to your partner.
Genital Herpes can be
found anywhere between the knees and waist and spreads
via skin to skin contact. Not only traditional intercourse
spreads Genital Herpes: It is quite common to get Oral Herpes - Cold Sores from giving oral sex to
someone who has Genital Herpes or
get Genital Herpes from receiving oral sex from someone who has
Oral Herpes.
To avoid spreading Genital Herpes you should start by seeing a
doctor. You will get a diagnosis, advice and treatment. The
treatment will likely be an antiviral agent:
- Valacyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Acyclovir
The anti viral agents come in tablet form.
They will reduce the severity, frequency and duration
of outbreaks and will also reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Precautionary Measures - Stopping the Spread of Genital Herpes
When you have outbreaks, you should:
- Avoid sexual activity
- Take antiviral treatment
- Do not touch the affected area
- Wash your hands regularly
- Do not share towels, wash cloths or clothing
Unfortunately the virus is not only contagious when you have
an outbreak. It is also contagious just before the outbreak when
you may feel a tingling or irritation around the
affected area and during the viral shedding period when the
virus reproduces itself.
Once you've caught the HSV2 virus, it stays in your
body for life and it can't be cured. The virus will however be latent
most of the time and the trick is to keep it that way. The antiviral
treatment will go a long way in preventing outbreaks but your lifestyle
may also be a factor. Virus' thrive on a low immune defense system so
keep yourself healthy:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Get the sleep you need
- Aim to avoid stressful situations
Do not despair. HSV2 is a relatively harmless virus
and there are usually no complications. SEE YOUR DOCTOR for further advice.
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- Herpes Viruses:
Is there protection for males when giving oral sex to the female
I'm curious to know. I've been wanting to give oral sex to my partner who has genital herpes. We are careful during sex, to ensure we use a condom, but is there anything you can put over your tongue or something that can protect yourself somewhat from getting the virus from your partner.
What if we want to have children in future, what is the best way to avoid catching the virus? Will the child be born with the virus?
protection for males performing oral on contagious females
First of all this only applies to her being outbreak or pre outbreak free. There are latex protective devices referred to as Dental Dams. It is a latex barrier for performing oral sex on females. It is suppose to be large enough to also protect your chin and nose from surrounding skin. I have read that, believe it or not, saran wrap can be used. However, either method the use plenty of proper lubrication is recommended, ie., KY Jelly to keep from irratating the females skin. I have also read that since these can be expensive, taking a latex condom, cut the tip off, and cut down side basically giving you a rectangular latex square can be used and be less expensive. As far as children, I have read that it is possible to have children without passing on the virus. Apparently, test to insure no active virus is present at time of birth, however, if it is, cesarian sections can be performed. Of course, this is more invasive for the female, but they are routinely down for many other reasons other then STDs. Just make sure in the event of pregnancy her doctor is aware of the condition so they can make the neccessary preparations. I am not sure about the safety of antiviral meds during pregnancy though. In fact, I think that speaking to her doctor before she becomes pregnant would be the smart thing to do.
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